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FACE  TO  FACE 

A  Practicable  Novelette 


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BY 

LILLIAN  LOTUS  LANG 


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TIMKM-MIKKOK    tfHlNTlNa    tk    UlUUltiti    SUUMK 
LOH     ANOKI.KH 

1922 


]^lejC{y\^      '^CTLuiUa^u^ 


Copyrighted  1922 

by 
Lillian  Lotus  Lang 


»/  •  •    • 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 


1.  IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD. 

2.  WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE. 

3.  THE  DEEP  STILL  WATERS. 

4.  HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT? 

5.  NATURE  AND  THE  SOUL. 


881905 


introduction!  w 


I  feel  His  presence,  I  know  it  Is  Here';' 
I  feel  His  love,  so  wondrous — dear. 
My  soul  expands  like  some  wonderful  flower, 
Blooming  in  some  fragrant  ethereal  bower. 

From  the  desert  of  ignorance  I  spring. 
To  the  greater  truth,  that  will  ever  bring 
Happiness  to  the  great  and  to  the  small — 
To  all,  who  hearken  to  His  loving  call. 

When  we  attempt  to  convince  others  of  the 
truths  we  have  been  enabled  to  gather  by  the 
wayside,  we  sometimes  feel  very  much  as  did 
Abion  when  he  sought  the  hand  of  Penelope. 
Placing  a  mallet  and  chisel  in  the  hands  of 
Abion,  Penelope  bade  him  hew  out  the  image  of 
her  favorite  sister,  whom  Abion  had  never  seen. 
Throwing  down  the  mallet  and  chisel  Abion  flew 
to  Brene,  where  he  established  a  kingdom,  from 
whence  he  sent  a  message  to  Penelope : 
' '  My  dear  Penelope : 

**I  cannot  hew  out  the  image  of  one  whom  I 
have  never  seen,  but  if  you  will  come  to  my 
kingdom,  I  will  show  you  the  WORKS  of  one 
whom  I  have  never  seen. 

Devotedly, 

ABION. '^ 


8  FACE   TO   FACE 

I  may  be  challenged  for  attempting  to  refute 
the  WOEKS  of  the  so-called  dead.  However,  I 
**^.*  &id  the  works  of  IngersoU  and  the  queries  they 
■  present,  well  suited  (by  refutation)  to  bring  out 
,%5<it&  high  lights  upon  my  theme:  That  is,  the 
VALUE  OF  LITTLE,  homely,  commonplace 
things;  the  Divine  origin  of,  and  existence  in, 
animate  and  inanimate  things  which  take  their 
place  in  our  lives  in  no  small  way.  Each  little 
thing  that  springs  up  by  the  wayside  holds  a 
parable  expressed  in  truth,  in  which  we  may  find 
a  great  theme  through  which  to  ennoble  our  en- 
vironments will  we  but  take  the  time  and  thought 
to  do  so.  We  have  not  all  taken  the  time  and 
thought  to  apply  the  FULLNESS  OF  THEIR 
WORTH  in  our  daily  lives.  It  would  not  only 
be  more  practical  to  do  so,  but  we  would  also 
reap  so  much  that  would  add  to  the  pleasurable 
side  of  life — the  side  that  God  meant  us  to  find 
and  apply  to  our  better  judgment. 

It  was  largely  through  LITTLE  THINGS  that 
Jesus  taught  the  ^^deep  things  of  God.''  Some- 
times in  parables  and  sometimes  by  demonstra- 
tion. In  short,  we  have  NOT  attuned  ourselves 
to  meet  these  things  that  teach  us  not  alone  in 
fables,  but  also  the  beauty  and  refinement  of 
ADAPTABILITY.  Attunement  sends  us  into 
vibrations  greater,  more  perfect,  than  we  are 
able  to  understand  fully  at  the  present  time. 
When  we  DO  become  attuned  we  see  more  clearly 
God's  purpose  in  placing  these  things  around  us, 
even  though  they  sometimes  are  so  very  repulsive 
we  shrink  from  them  as  we  would  from  a  leper. 


INTRODUCTION  9 

When  we  learn  to  overcome  hatred  of  things, 
and  infuse  the  love  that  comes  with  seeing  nat- 
urally, through  the  spiritual  eye,  we  can  live 
among  them  and  enjoy  them  thoroughly ;  whereas 
in  the  past  we  could  not  have  done  so  at  any  cost. 

This  is  a  great  part  DIVINE  SCIENCE  takes 
in  our  lives,  infusing  pleasure  (when  properly 
applied)  in  the  everyday  routine  of  life.  We  do 
not  want  to  be  a  house  divided  against  itself;  we 
do  not  want  the  other  half  loaf  to  waste  in  the 
cinders  of  ignorance.  We  want  to  round  out  our 
lives  in  the  FULLNESS  OF  OUR  INHETi- 
ITANCE.  ^^MADE  IN  HIS  LIKENESS  AND 
IMAGE.'' 

Ingersoll  was  a  man  of  dual  personality;  on 
the  one  hand  a  lover  of  love  and  justice;  on  the 
other,  a  living  denial  of  the  SOURCE  of  love  and 
justice.  He  has  left  to  us  an  inheritance,  the 
HALF  LOAF,  as  it  were.  This  I  refute,  bring- 
ing into  evidence  the  OTHER  HALF,  the  SUB- 
STANCE, that  has  made  the  image  possible. 
'^God  is  Love.'' 

Spirit  is  INDESTRUCTIBLE.  Spirit  has 
VITAL  force,  hence  spirit  and  matter  are  in- 
separable. Spirit  has  substance,  hence  the  spirit- 
ual body;  the  substance  of  DIVINE  WILL 
etherealized  into  one — perfect — whole.  This  com- 
pletes the  cause  and  effect  of  Divine  Principle. 
It  also  emphasizes  the  BODY  and  the  BLOOD 
in  the  sacrament. 

'*I  IN  YOU  AND  YOU  IN  ME" 

What  this  means  to  man  is  beyond  the  power 
of  words.    It  emphasizes  the  PERSONAL  pres- 


10  FACE    TO   FACE 

ence  of  God  in  time  of  prayer,  in  time  of  need, 
and  all  the  time.  God  is  ever  present.  What 
possibilities  await  man  when  he  becomes  in  tune 
with  this  great  power;  enabled  to  comprehend 
and  blend  his  being  into  one  perfect  UNITY 
WITH  GOD  AND  THE  HIGHER  FORCES. 
In  attunement  there  are  no  LIMITATIONS,  but 
progression,  here  and  hereafter. 

^^When  I  was  a  child,  I  spake  as  a  child,  I 
understood  as  a  child,  I  thought  as  a  child;  but 
when  I  became  a  man,  I  put  off  childish  things. 
For  now  we  see  through  a  glass  darkly,  but  then 
FACE  TO  FACE.  Now  I  know  in  part;  then 
shall  I  know  as  I  am  known.'* 

The  little  flower  Immortelles  have  been  the  in- 
spiration of  many  a  hearty  laugh;  many  a  jest 
has  blended  tears  with  lilushes  because  Dan 
Cupid  has  caught  some  belated  love  in  his 
meshes;  and  yet  these  little  Immortelles  teach 
us  the  EVERLASTING  POWER  OF  GOD 
VIVIDLY.  These  artful  little  blossoms  are  only 
ONE  of  the  LITTLE  THINGS  growing  among 
other  little  things  that  cry  out  unto  us  with  all 
the  beauty  and  passion  of  Eden :  BEHOLD  THE 
POWER  OF  GOD!  0  SPEAK  to  us,  LOVE  us, 
UNDERSTAND  us,  and  SEE  what  we  will  do 
for  you! 

Jesus  taught  through  NATURE  AND  THE 
SOUL,  and  e'en  the  washing  of  feet.  ^^If  I, 
then,  YOUR  Lord  and  Master,  have  washed  your 
feet,  ye  ought  also  to  wash  one  another's  feet: 
For  I  have  given  you  an  example  that  ye  may  do 
as  I  have  done.    Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you, 


INTRODUCTION  11 

the  servant  is  no  greater  than  his  lord ;  neither  is 
he  that  is  sent  greater  than  he  that  sent  him. 
If  ye  know  these  things  happy  are  ye  if  ye  do 
them/* 

It  is  the  purpose  of  this  book  to  show  the  way 
through  LITTLE  THINGS,  bringing  humanity 
closer  to  God,  and  the  things  of  God.  We  have 
not  as  yet  tasted  the  sweetness  of  the  honey- 
suckle. We  have  pruned  the  vine,  we  have 
admired  its  beauty,  we  have  gloried  in  its  fra- 
grance ;  and  yet,  we  have  not  tasted  the  sweetness 
of  HIS  DIVINE  PURPOSE  as  we  should  have 
done. 

There  is  a  little  thing  left  undone,  unthought  of, 
in  almost  every  moment  of  our  day.  We  do  not 
take  the  time,  or  are  lacking  in  the  KNOWL- 
EDGE of  God,  our  Creator,  to  enact  His  will 
towards  mankind  and  the  things  surrounding 
him.  It  is  the  THINKING  in  right  channels,  the 
DOING  of  things,  that  makes  life  worth  while. 
It  is  the  WILLING  enacting  of  His  will  that 
stamps  the  seal  **Made  in  His  Likeness  and 
Image'*  upon  our  brow  with  His  own  dear  hand. 
^^Be  still  and  KNOW  that  I  am  God.''  The 
word  has  been  spoken,  the  reflection  appears 
again  and  again,  as  the  years  go  rolling  by. 

As  time  brings  all  things  to  greater  perfection, 
when  the  TRUTH  abideth  in  it,  so  the  WORD 
grows  brighter;  grows  in  potent  power,  mag- 
netic, thrilling  in  its  intensity  DEEP  within  the 
IMAGE  IT  HAS  CREATED,  infusing  a  fine 
sense  of  spiritual  loveliness,  fitness,  creating  a 
STILL  finer  element  of  beauty  as  time  goes  on; 


12  FACE    TO   FACE 

infusing  within  man  an  exquisite  delight,  not  too 
delicate  to  apply  to  practical  life,  but  rather  a 
dynamic  flood  of  energy  and  life;  a  form  of 
matter  that  cannot  be  decomposed  by  any  known 
science.  Only  God  and  HIS  WORD  IS  LIFE: 
Hence  we  know  that  matter  and  spirit  are  in- 
separable. 

As  electricity  is  directly  connected  with  divinity 
and  is  a  stream  of  particles  having  generating 
properties,  it  is  a  clear,  distinct  phenomenal 
truth  that  atom  to  atom  is  capable  of  individual- 
ism, hence  the  formation  of  each  individual  atom 
WOULD  create,  according  to  the  WILL  or 
POWER  of  the  spoken  word,  which  is  electric 
energy,  a  force  that  sends  into  active  principles 
the  creating  powers. 

As  ether  is  the  MEDIUM  filling  all  space,  the 
spoken  word  passing  through  ether  enables  vi- 
brating subtle  light,  LIFE,  to  spring  forth  into 
active  expressions.  The  beauty  and  wonder  of 
it  cannot  help  but  bring  to  the  hearts  and  minds 
of  man  the  great  desire  to  find,  and  when  found, 
imbibe  deeply  the  MIGHTY  POWER,  LOVE 
AND  TRUTHS  of  the  God  who  created  him. 
Thus  are  we  made  free  in  truth. 

When  seekers  of  perpetual  motion  will  look 
to  the  constructive  principles  of  spirit  as  a 
DIRECT  FORCE  COMPELLING  EXPRES- 
SION, they  may  find  the  rudiments  of  perpetual 
motion.  As  ^^all  things  are  FIRST  worked  out 
in  spirit,''  then  it  stands  to  reason  that  WILL 
holds  a  greater  force  in  the  ideals  man  tries  to 


INTRODUCTION  13 

materialize  than  any  other  operating  energy 
brought  to  bear. 

It  is  a  well  known  fact  that  in  the  ether  there 
is  some  quality  that  might  compel  perpetual 
motion  that  man  has  not  yet  fathomed.  When 
he  understands  fully  the  co-operation  of  gravity 
and  usage  of  ethereal  products,  he  will  have  it. 
Can  it  be  that  perpetual  motion  lieth  close  at 
hand!  YEA — ^when  we  take  into  our  thought- 
world  the  fact  that  the  eternal  spirit  of  man  is 
perpetual,  everlasting,  eternal,  breath  of  God, 
we  know  it.  The  question  is  answered;  it  is  for 
man  to  perfect  the  ideal.  Seek  not  great  inven- 
tions apart  from  God,  for  THEY  ARE  OF  GOD. 
When  we  recognize  that  fact  inventions  will 
grow  in  greater  and  greater  magnificence. 

Inventions  are  largely  due  to  electrical  force, 
thrilling,  spirited.  As  electricity  is  directly  con- 
nected with  divinity,  we  cannot  get  away  from 
God,  no  matter  how  we  try ;  but  to  recognize  His 
power  in  all  things  is  to  intensify  that  power, 
giving  it  an  outlet  for  full  expression,  hence  we 
reach  perfection  in  that  we  undertake.  It  is 
just  one  of  the  little  things  that  COUNT  FOR  SO 
MUCH  IN  LIFE  and  in  the  time  of  death  where 
we  shall  ^^know  as  we  are  known.  ^' 

The  Divine  inflow  is  filled  with  the  potent 
power  to  DO :  ^^For  if  ye  DO  THINGS  ye  shall 
NEVER  fail.''  THINK  of  it— a  thought,  a 
promise,  we  should  never  lose  sight  of! 

There  is  a  little  nest  constructed  in  the  Garden 
of   God   in  which   nestles  happiness   and   pros- 


14  FACE    TO   FACE 

perity.  Little  things,  you  murmur;  YEA — little 
MIGHTIES;  a  military  band  that  plays  its  own 
compositions.  As  we  listen  to  the  harmony  our 
eyes  wander  to  yonder  field  where  stands  a  wind- 
mill with  its  g-reat  fan  at  the  top  singing  a  little 
song — all  its  own.  ^^Eound  and  round  I  go,**  it 
is  singing,  *^  while  you  look  indeed  weird  to  me 
toppling  (so  it  would  seem)  on  your  little  head, 
spinning  round  like  a  bean  spilling  from  the  pod. 
I  should  like  YOU  to  tell  ME  how  I  look  to  you— 
and  then  I  almost  catch  my  breath  as  I  see  you 
coming  closer  and  closer  to  me,  driving  the  cows 
to  water;  and  a  little  sheep  is  among  them,  and 
a  dog,  too ;  and  0,  what  is  that  ?  A  little  chicken 
hobbling  along,  and  so  determined.  0,  isn't  it 
just  too  funny.  And  YOU  and  THEY  look  nat- 
ural again,  and  I  must  work  harder  to  give  to 
you  that  you  are  seeking. 

*^And  0,  Look,  there  is  a  little  bird  sitting 
right  on  my  trough !  0,  how  I  love  to  work  for 
these.  So  you  see,  I  must  go  round  and  round, 
while  you  are  resting  NATUEALLY  near  me 
gathering  strength  and  new  vigor  to  go  your  way 
again.  For  it  is  when  we  ARE  natural,  you 
know,  that  we  meet  each  other  as  we  ARE, 
FACE  TO  FACE. 

'*As  you  go  on  your  way  I  listen  to  your 
merry  whistle,  and  rejoice  it  is  so; — and  youf 

I — why,  I  listen  to  your  drowsy  hum-oo-youm- 
um,  blending  with  the  music  of  the  spheres,  and 
my  soul  meets  you  there  where  we  are  all  kin  in 
the  great  understanding  of  NATURE  AND  THE 
SOUL,  FACE  TO  FACE,  where  His  truths  are 


INTRODUCTION  15 

reflected  in  the  DEEP  STILL  WATERS,  IN 
THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD.  A  light  falls  around 
me  and  I  know  HAPPINESS— What  IS  IT?  It 
is  the  co-mingling  of  God's  purpose  ringing  the 
vespers  in  the  soul  of  LITTLE  THINGS. 

I  say,  kind  friend,  it  is  possible  to  speak  to 
these  and  they  will  answer  thee.  And  yet  the 
infidel  shouts  in  turbulent  tides:  **If  there  is  a 
God,  WHO  made  God?''  What  is  that  but  sob- 
bing in  the  dark?  For  has  not  God  said:  *^Let 
there  BE  LIGHT  and  there  WAS  LIGHT"! 
In  the  reflection  we  are  enabled  to  see  God  as  a 
SUPREME  FORCE,  PERSONAL  by  nature, 
Divine  in  character;  a  Divine  whole  that  em- 
bodies spirit.  ^'God  is  a  spirit!'  that  took  on  the 
form  of  man  to  ENNOBLE  and  SAVE  mankind. 

He  is  the  RISEN  CHRIST;  He  came  from  a 
Divine  principle  of  ethereal  evolution — THE 
LILIES  TELLETH  THEE 

When  we  wander  with  the  rain-drops,  when  we 

wander  with  the  dew; 
It  is  then  our  hearts  sing  Halleluiah!  aye,   'tis 

true. 
When  we  wander  with  the  sunbeams,  when  we 

wander  with  the  rain; 
It  is  then  the  echo  of  His  victory  comes  floating 

back  again. 
It  is  then  the  bells  peal  faster,  as  though  to  hurry 

us  to  prayer. 
While  the  glorious  Halleluiah  spellbinds  all  our 

care. 


16  FACE    TO   FACE 

0  list,  the  glorious  Anthem,  the  exultant  Gloria 

Patri  strain. 
Drooping  like  the  willows,  around  our  earthly 

frame. 
Methinks  I  hear  Him  calling,  not  so  very  far 

away, 
Come,    through    trials    and    temptations,    come, 

while  ye  may. 
Come  through  the  grave  to  triumph,  for  this  is 

God's  own  way; 
Come,  little  soul  with  the  lilies,  for  this  is  Easter 

Bay. 

And  as  we,  ascending  in  His  loving  arms,  look 

back  on  yesterdays. 
Pause  and  fold  our  wings  in  wonder,  at  the  lilies 

and  their  ways. 
And  then  go  on  rejoicing  in  their  theme  and  song. 
While  God's  little  children  scatter  colored  eggs 

along. 
Christ  is  risen!  Christ  is  risen!  the  lilies  telleth 

thee. 
Risen  from  the  tomb  to  immortal  VICTORY. 

LILLIAN  LOTUS  LANG. 


CHAPTEE  I 

IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD 

**The  cedars  in  the  Garden  of  God  could  not 
hide  Him;  the  fir  trees  were  not  like  His 
branches;  not  any  trees  in  the  Garden  of  God 
were  like  unto  Him  in  beauty.''  i  '  :• : :  •.  ,•        •••  : 

DIVINE  UNDERSTANDING  ','  /'\  L,  1 1'  '^J  I'l  'M 

IngersoU  says,  *^  There  never  can  be  an  argu- 
ment tending  to  prove  the  inspiration  of  any 
book." 

What  callest  thou  inspiration,  Ingersoll? 

The  fact  is,  the  Infidel  has  not  as  yet  found  the 
first  great  principle  to  Divine  Understanding; 
that  is,  the  science  of  being ;  Divine  Mind  in  man. 

When  Divine  Mind  is  permitted  to  express 
itself  in  the  HIGHEST  manifestation  of  truth,  it 
emits  the  principle  of  being — the  **I  am,  made  in 
His  Likeness  and  Image."  The  fact  that  Made 
in  His  Likeness  and  Image  INCLUDES  MIND 
is  not  to  be  overlooked;  on  the  contrary,  the 
truth  in  it  proclaims  itself.  We  realize  fully  our 
possibilities  when  we  come  into  that  great  at- 
one-ness  human  will  meeting  Divine. 

'*It  is  my  pleasure  to  give  you  the  Kingdom." 
This  is  an  inheritance  that  includes  everything. 


18  PACE    TO   FACE 

It  is  one  of  supply,  love,  redemption,  truth  and 
eternal  life. 

What  purely  material  mind  could  have  written 
the  Twenty- Third  Psalm  unless  Divine  Inspira- 
tion was  seeking  expression  through  Divine  Will? 

Let  us  term  inspiration  Divine  Mind  wrought 
in  the  soul;  mind  exempt  of  error  by  beauty  of, 
or  in.  Spirit,  whether  Divine  or  material. 

The  passing  of  His  footsteps  still  leave  their 
;im'pri^t'  upon  the  earth — an  inspiration  to  all 
whoMlw  in  His  wake.  His  LIFE  was  the 
gi'^atest  love- song  ever  sung  in  the  heart  of 
truth;  the  greatest  inspiration  ever  conceived. 
*^For  God  so  loved  the  world  that  He  gave  His 
only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth 
Him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting 
life.''  No  one  who  has  ever  read  these  words 
can  truthfully  say  they  have  not  had  a  heart- 
throb of  belief  in  them;  because  they  breathe 
love,  and  all  the  world  understands — love. 

Every  living  thing  expresses  love  in  some 
form.  Domestic  animals  show  it,  not  only  among 
themselves,  but  to  us.  We  are  loved ;  it  is  in  the 
atmosphere;  it  is  one  of  the  greatest  principles 
in  nature;  it  IS  nature  continually  expressing 
HIS  DIVINE  GIFT.  Every  leaf  and  branch 
express  the  Divine  spirit  of  inspiration.  We 
learn  to  love  the  thoughts,  the  words,  of  the  in- 
spired.    They  are  deathless;  Spirit  never  dies. 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  19 

My  friend,  could  I  but  take  thy  hand  and  say 
with  thee: 

**If  my  feeble  prayers  can  reach  thee, 
O  My  Saviour  I  beseech  thee. 
Even  as  thou  hast  died  for  me, 
More  sincerely 

Let  me  follow  where  thou  leadest. 
Let  me,  bleeding  as  thou  bleedest, 
Die,  if  by  dying  I  may  give 
Life  to  one  who  asks  to  live. 
And  more  nearly. 
Dying  thus,  resemble  thee.'^ 

There  is  no  place  for  argument  in  truth,  it  as- 
serts itself. 

Inspiration  is  a  stimulant  to  DO  things, 
whether  it  be  the  writing  of  books,  songs,  or 
takes  an  inventive  turn.  It  matters  but  little 
what  form  it  may  take;  the  idea  is  ^*to  put  it 
through.''  Ah,  man,  spirit  hath  no  limitations, 
and  spirit  dwelleth  within  man  richly.  Too  oft 
the  infidel  swims  in  a  cesspool  of  infamy,  while 
inspiration  is  found  in  the  light  above. 

INGEESOLL:  ^^The  notion  that  faith  in 
Christ  is  to  be  rewarded  by  an  eternity  of  bliss, 
while  dependentees  upon  reason,  observation  and 
experience  merit  everlasting  pain,  is  to  be  re- 
lieved only  by  the  unhappy  state  of  insanity  and 
ignorance. ' ' 

LOTUS:  When  we  seek  to  evade  answering 
a  truth,  we  are  seeking  the  meadow-lark's  song 
where  only  sea-gulls  fly.  ^*  Faith  without  works 
is  dead."     To  work  with  faith  quickens  the  Di- 


20  FACE    TO   FACE 

vine  within.  Honest  work  brings  its  own  reward. 
If  we  have  faith  ENOUGH  IN  CHRIST  to  LIVE 
His  teachings,  then  we  will  receive  an  eternity 
of  bliss.  It  IS  bliss  to  know  we  have  done  our 
honest  best  even  upon  this  mundane  plane. 
Bliss  now  is  bliss  eternally  assured. 

Faith  in  Christ  is  the  goal  of  integrity.  It  is 
the  DIVINE  that  Christ  calls  attention  to, 
demands  obedience  to,  it  is  His  way  of  calling  us 
INTO  OUR  OWN.  His  way  is  the  way  of  truth, 
of  love;  it  is  Divine.  Our  best  interests  are 
always  at  heart  with  Him. 

Callest  it  insanity  to  be  taught  by  the  lilies 
whom  God  hath  made  immortal?  The  lily  lets 
life  live  in  natural  simplicity;  it  asks  not  why,  or 
wherefore;  just  blooming,  content  to  send  its 
fragrance  and  beauty  throughout  the  world,  with- 
out respect  of  persons.  What  a  wonderful  world 
this  would  be  were  we  to  follow  in  its  wake,  and 
PRACTICE  brotherly  love  in  the  fullest  sense 
of  the  word!  And  that  is  what  the  Bible  has 
been  teaching  for  ages;  takes  mankind  a  long 
time  to  grasp  the  truth  and  apply  it  to  reason, 
does  it  not  1  It  is  the  fault  of  man,  not  the  Bible, 
if  the  world  is  not  to  his  liking;  he  has  been 
taught  better.  The  lack  of  practical  application 
to  teachings  of  a  higher  nature  in  the  world  is 
appalling. 

Faith  is  not  ignorance,  nor  ever  has  been.  It 
is  the  foundation  of  character;  holding  the  mys- 
tery of  faith  in  pure  conscience.  He  who  lives 
by  faith  in  works  is  bound  to  live  in  truth,  where 
progress  abounds. 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  21 

It  is  in  the  world  of  truth  that  we  realize  our 
own  possibilities.  To  realize  our  own  possibili- 
ties is  to  realize  possibilities  for  others.  This 
quickens  the  truth  around  us  and  in  our  own 
little  world  there  shines  a  NEW  light.  Why 
then  should  we  seek  the  ways  of  infidelism  when 
the  Christ  way  has  been  so  long  perfected? 
Proven,  because  ye  cannot  put  it  from  you;  it  is 
life  itself;  it  is  truth;  it  is  the  hope  of  eternity; 
it  IS  eternity. 

To  continually  seek  something  we  have  had  in 
our  possession  from  the  day  of  our  birth  is  an 
unhappy  state  of  ignorance;  and,  I  might  add, 
negligence.  The  way  of  truth  has  been  in  our 
possession  from  birth.  The  trouble  is  mankind 
has  tried  to  squeeze  by  one  little  un-truth,  and 
another  little  un-truth,  until  the  scales  have 
tipped  to  the  bottom  of  deception.  Too  long  has 
man  sought  truth  in  things  too  weak  to  bear, 
when  it  Keth  within  his  own  being,  waiting  to  be 
called  forth  as  the  **day  star'*  that  knows  no 
night.  When  man  realizes  that  truth  does  lie 
within  his  own  being,  he  is  accepting  his  Divine 
inheritance  (made  in  His  Likeness  and  Image)  as 
the  one  great  gift  through  which  he  gains  and 
never  loses,  and  that  is  none  other  than  exempli- 
fied inspiration. 

Truth  is  the  greatest  investment  man  can 
make;  it  draws  a  personal  interest  that  compels 
the  good  to  be  made  manifest  in  all  things  need- 
ful. To  work  with  truth  is  to  add  to  our  store- 
house of  good  things. 

No  more  earnest  devotee  of  truth  exists  than 


22  FACE    TO   FACE 

the  Bible.  It  ever  has  been  a  silent  witness  to 
man's  indifference.  Progression  (that  is,  true 
progression)  is  found  in  the  world  of  truth,  the 
kind  that  is  lasting  and  satisfying.  Truth  traces 
everything  good  for  man;  it  never  grows  weary, 
it  never  grows  old.  Adhere  to  the  truth  and  at 
the  close  of  life  (for  which  life  was  created)  you 
will  find  roses,  EOSES  and  lilies,  too;  for  God 
hath  spoken,  and  His  word  rings  true.  When 
we  have  trained  ourselves  to  interpret  the  TRUE 
MEANING  of  God's  reflected  purpose  in  sending 
opportunities  that  seem  at  times  phenomenal, 
coming  as  they  do  through  varied  and  various 
channels,  we  also  find  the  truth  that  gains  and 
NEVER  loses.  For  through  that  great  at-one- 
ness  we  have  tasted  the  bodv  and  the  blood,  by 
ACCEPTING  CHRIST  who  worketh  IN  ALL 
THINGS  GOOD  FOR  MAN. 

INGERSOLL:  ^'Over  the  vast  plain  called 
life,  we  are  all  travelers ;  not  one  traveler  is  par- 
ticularly certain  that  he  is  going  in  the  right 
direction.  No  other  plain  is  so  well  provided 
with  guide-boards;  at  every  turn  and  crossing 
you  will  find  them.  Upon  each  one  is  written 
the  exact  direction  and  distance.  One  great 
trouble  is  that  most  travelers  are  confused  in 
proportion  to  the  number  they  reach.  Every 
pulpit  is  a  pillory  upon  which  stands  a  hired  cul- 
prit defending  the  injustice  of  his  own  imprison- 
ment. No  religion  seems  able  to  comprehend  the 
simple  truth.*' 

LOTUS:     There  can  be  no  diversity  of  ways 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  23 

in  the  simple  statement  ''IB  GOD  IN  ITT'  If 
God  is  in  it,  then  there  is  something  there  for 
you.  If  you  fail  to  see  God  in  the  ways  of  man, 
then  others  may.  Respect  every  man's  vision; 
respect  will  meet  some  note  of  harmony  in 
response  unto  thine  own. 

Some  come  closer  to  God  through  some  theme 
in  nature  than  they  do  in  the  ways  of  man.  Are 
they  to  be  condemned?  Nay,  methinks  not  so; 
they  have  found  Him.  Truth  lieth  within  the 
conscience  of  man;  it  is  limitless  when  put  into 
expressive  principles  in  PURE  conscience.  If 
the  man  in  the  pulpit  seems  full  of  error,  we  may 
free  him  to  a  certain  extent,  by  first  seeking  truth 
within  ourselves.  The  best  way  to  find  truth  in 
another  is  to  first  search  self,  then  another's 
faults  may  not  seem  so  enormous. 

The  greatest  indignity  we  can  inflict  upon  self 
is  to  belittle  self  through  another's  wound.  This 
nearly  every  one  does  to  a  certain  extent,  by  re- 
fusing the  pure  laws  of  spirit,  holding  to  some- 
thing we  know  cannot  be  the  truth  though  we 
should  like  it  to  be.  When  mankind  will  admit 
the  truth,  accepting  it  in  pure  conscience,  waver- 
ing not,  the  millennium  will  not  be  afar  off,  for 
God  will  appear  in  truth  destroying  untruth. 

**  Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart,  for  they  shall 
see  God."  The  reward  of  faith  is  purification, 
illumination,  by  which  we  are  enabled  to  see  the 
coming  of  the  Lord. 

The  bird  by  wandering,  the  swallow  by  flying; 
so  the  curse  Causeless  shall  never  come. 

^*And  ye  shall  seek  me,  and  ye  SHALL  FIND 


24  FACE    TO   FACE 

ME  when  ye  shall  seek  me  with  ALL  YOUR 
HEART/' 

Getting  RIGHT  WITH  GOD  is  all  the  EVI- 
DENCE man  needs.  Getting  right  with  God  is 
getting  right  with  the  LAW  OF  IDEAL  THINK- 
ING, which  breeds  ideal  LIVING.  The  Bible 
contains  this  scientific  truth.  To  accept  the 
truth  is  to  confess  the  Divine  within.  Accept- 
ance is  the  ONE  great  stride  UPWARD.  The 
man  in  the  pulpit  is  not  imprisoned  unless  he 
abdicates  his  sacred  trust. 

The  churches  are  our  springs  by  the  wayside, 
wherein  man  may  quench  his  thirst.  The  man 
that  stands  waiting,  holding  the  cup  lovingly  to 
our  lips  that  we  may  drink,  rep^-esents  God.  If 
we  push  the  cup  from  his  hand,  we  cannot  be  re- 
freshed. *^As  ye  drink  of  the  waters  of  life,  so 
shall  it  be  unto  you;  as  ye  think  when  ye  drink, 
so  shall  ye  be  refreshed. ' ' 

Upon  every  guide  board  is  written  the  HOPE 
of  eternal  life;  where  there  is  hope,  there  is  the 
bark  that  carries  us  on  to  greater  rivers,  greater 
seas.  Hope  is  the  birth  of  achievement ;  it  lends 
zest  to  pursuit.  Each  one  of  us  paddles  our 
canoe  according  to  our  ENLIGHTENMENT  and 
best  judgment.  **A  lift  now  and  then''  renews 
our  strength  and  gives  greater  insight  within  and 
without;  also  gives  greater  confidence  to  go  on. 
If  we  do  not  always  use  our  best  judgment,  it  is 
because  we  have  not  become  strong  enough,  BIG 
enough  to  overcome  LITTLE  temptations,  little 
errors. 

There  can  be  no  confusion  as  to  numbers,  when 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OP  GOD  25 

they  are  met  in  pure  conscience;  pure  conscience 
is  clear  seeing,  calm  reasoning,  brotherly  love, 
doubt  eliminated,  the  DIVINE  expressed  in  the 
fullness  of  HIS  WILL  towards  mankind. 

If  you  go  to  church  with  the  affirmation  on 
your  lips  and  in  your  heart,  that  there  is  nothing 
there  for  YOUR  PEOGRESSIVE  MIND,  you 
will  be  stranded  by  the  wayside  while  greater 
souls  move  on. 

*^If  any  of  you  lack  wisdom  let  him  ask  God, 
who  giveth  to  all  men  liberally,  and  upbraideth 
not.  For  he  that  wavereth  is  like  the  sea,  driven 
and  tossed.  For  let  no  such  man  think  he  shall 
receive  anything  of  the  Lord,  for  a  double  minded 
man  is  unstable  in  all  his  ways.  Blessed  is  the 
man  that  endureth  temptation,  for  he  shaU  re- 
ceive the  crown  of  life,  which  the  Lord  hath  pre- 
pared for  those  that  love  Him.''  We  receive  the 
crown  of  contentment  in  this  expression  of  life, 
when  we  obey  the  law  of  the  Spiritual  man. 

Harmony  and  obedience  are  the  first  laws  of 
nature,  hence  the  first  requisite  to  obtaining  the 
kingdom.  To  live  in  harmony,  charity  and  love 
need  not  be  confusing.  We  are  not  expected  to 
accept  everything  that  is  unpleasant  and  detri- 
mental to  our  welfare;  it  becomes  necessary 
sometimes  to  protect  ourselves;  we  cannot  meet 
chaos  on  common  ground. 

The  best  way  to  **get  even  with  the  other 
fellow''  is  to  hold  harmony  within.  It  is  indeed 
humiliating  to  **fuss  one's  feathers"  while  **the 
other  fellow"  is  looking  on  in  meek  and  quiet 
spirit.     To  retain  harmony  within  is  the  Christ 


26  FACE    TO   FACE 

way,  the  way  that  leads  to  greater  power  over 
self,  and  conditions  that  may  arise  of  a  deroga- 
tory nature.  We  not  only  house  our  own  energy 
by  holding  harmony  within,  but  we  are  enabled 
to  help  the  '^ other  fellow'^  when  he  has  ex- 
hausted his. 

Would  we  but  take  our  ^^ hurts''  to  God,  as  the 
little  shaver  takes  his  hurts  to  mother,  it  would 
so  weaken  them  they  would  no  longer  have  the 
power  to  hurt.  The  same  parental  understand- 
ing is  waiting  for  us  at  the  throne  of  God  as  the 
mother  and  father  has  for  their  child  or  children. 
When  we  go  to  the  fountain  head,  when  we  are 
enabled  to  help  the  ^^ other  fellow'*  by  OUR 
OWN  SOUL  POWER,  then  are  we  leaving  all 
and  following  Him;  stopping  not  by  the  wayside 
to  bury  skeletons,  for  they  are  as  naught. 

*a  AM  THE  WAY,  THE  TRUTH  AND  THE 
LIFE!" 

God  is  life ;  in  Him  is  no  death  at  all.  We  are 
not  wholesome  when  we  cannot  see  the  truth  in 
the  above  statement.  ^*I  am  the  WAY,  the 
TRUTH,  and  the  LIFE."  What  a  blessed  as- 
surance ! 

Keeping  time  and  rhythm  with  the  better  self 
is  the  music  that  spins  the  thread  of  inspiration; 
the  kind  of  inspiration  that  brings  into  our  world 
the  immortal  works  of  art,  literature  and  inven- 
tions,   to    say    nothing    of    thousands    of    little 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  27 

GEEAT  THINGS  that  continually  spring  up  by 
the  wayside  to  astonish  man.  That  is  when  God 
makes  Himself  felt.  It  is  ascending  to  the 
heights,  where  God  meets  us  more  than  halfway. 
It  is  passing  through  the  storms  of  material 
things,  gathering  up  the  sunbeams,  taking  them 
with  us  in  the  spirit  of  truth  to  the  great  open  in 
God's  Garden,  wherein  is  found  the  inspiration 
that  thrills — the  expressive  principles  in  man — 
until  the  thrill  becomes  an  actual  reality,  a  living 
presence,  a  force  that  compels  appreciation  and 
gratitude  from  the  world  at  large.  Inspiration 
is  creative  in  its  desire  to  reach  mankind.  It 
builds  a  home  in  fertile  brains,  and  there  it  stays, 
if  fed,  until  it  has  created  a  throne  before  which 
all  men  bow.  AH,  MAN !  it  is  worth  working  for, 
worth  waiting  for. 

^^  HEEDING  NOT  THOSE  THAT  KILL 
THE  BODY,  AND  AFTEE  THAT  HAVE  NO 
MOEE  THAT  THEY  CAN  DO.'' 

No  harm  can  come  to  us  on  the  heights;  it  is 
God's  resting  place.  I  oft-times  wonder  at  the 
indifference  of  mankind  in  this  respect;  they  de- 
liberately run  into  danger  to  both  soul  and  body 
and  then  say  **GOD  HAS  DESEETED  THEM," 
when  in  fact  they  have  been  going  against  every 
law  of  God  and  nature.  Sooner  or  later  they 
must  know  that  the  bell  taps  of  worldliness  are 
going  to  resound  within  their  own  souls.  We 
are  striking  a  responding  chord  somewhere 
momentarily;  the  sweetest  music  will  sound  dis- 


28  FACE    TO   FACE 

cordant  to  those  whose  ears  ring  with  wanton- 
ness so — 

Let  thine  heart  sing,  let  it  bring 

The  Divine  within  its  walls. 
No  wintry  blast  can  wear  a  mask,  the 

Lord  thy  God  knoweth  all. 
Let  Plim  linger — let  Him  linger  close 

Within  thy  call. 
He  knows  the  frost  the  billows  tossed 

Around  thy  soul,  today; 
He  knows  the  sorrows  of  thine  heart. 

Behold  the  morning  gay ! 
It  turns,  it  burns  the  dead  leaves  of 

Eegret  to  a  cinder,  and  yet. 
Only  God,  knows  why,  regret  and  triumph 

Met,  no  more — regret! 

INGEKSOLL:  ^'People  of  the  church  are  en- 
slaved to  God.'^ 

LOTUS:  On  the  contrary,  ^^God  gives  to 
every  man  liberty.*'  The  trouble  lies  in  the  fact 
that  it  is  not  generally  understood  that  LIB- 
ERTY is  not  a  material  condition  only.  TRUE 
LIBERTY  is  born  of  spirit;  in  it  only  can  the 
grand  flight  in  truth  be  made.  There  must  be 
liberty  of  spirit  as  well  as  liberty  in  a  material 
sense,  to  co-operate  with  the  Divine. 

IN  HIM  I  HAVE  MY  BEING;  by  Him  are 
ALL  THINGS  MADE  POSSIBLE,  even  love; 
and  love  is  a  truth  that  has  answered  all,  from 
Calvary's  blood-stained  cross.  He  who  permits 
DIVINE  LOVE  to  guide  him  will  have  an  il- 
lumined pathway. 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  29 

Mankind  is  as  free  as  the  little  brook  in  yonder 
field.  Eain  comes  (and  I  am  going  to  be  old 
fashioned  enough  to  say,  God  sends  it)  or  the 
brook  would  soon  run  dry  and  be  no  more.  Just 
so  God  sends  His  truths  to  replenish  man.  The 
brook  in  NATURAL  SUBMISSIVENESS  re- 
ceives  the  rain.  When  mankind  FULLY  UN- 
DERSTANDS that  the  greatest  power  for  good 
comes  to  those  who  ARE  SUBMISSIVE  to  the 
natural  inflow  of  Spiritual  truth,  they  will  receive 
not  alone  material  benefits,  but  will  receive  Spir- 
itual UNDERSTANDING  in  how  to  use  truth 
and  not  abuse  it.  Truth  itself  is  as  clear  as  a 
June  sky,  but  it  is  sometimes  frost-bitten  beyond 
recognition  by  misuse  and  abuse. 

Preparedness  begins  within  the  conscience  of 
man;  it  enables  us  to  look  in  the  mirror  of  truth 
without  flinching.  When  we  look  long  enough, 
we  see  also  that  the  little  brook  has  its  uses,  its 
profitable  side;  it  irrigates  the  land,  refreshes 
fowl  and  beast,  and  they  in  turn  give  to  us  again. 
Just  so  must  we  turn  to  the  GREAT  INFINITE 
SOURCE,  and  we  shall  not  return  empty  handed. 
The  future  depends  upon  how  we  take  care  of 
the  truth  NOW,  knowing  that  the  guiding  hand 
leads  ever  beyond  material  power ;  on,  on  into  the 
realms  of  miracle  wherein  we  are  made  whole 
without  the  aid  of  material  subjects.  We  then 
have  nothing  to  fear  by  LIVING  in  truth. 

Let  us  pause  now  and  then  and  note  the  violets 
growing  near  our  feet.  We  may  find  a  serpent 
lurking  beneath  their  leaves;  if  we  do,  we  will 
walk  around  it — a  long  way  around  it,  and  forget 


30  FACE    TO   FACE 

it  ever  was  there,  remembering  only  the  violets 
beautiful.  Learning  WHAT  and  WHEN  to  for- 
get is  a  science.  To  forget  the  serpent  hiding 
among  the  violets  and  remember  only  the  beau- 
ties of  the  violet,  is  a  form  of  worship  that  is 
refreshing.  And  this  is  the  way  to  FIND  and 
HOLD  the  Divine  in  all  things,  though  they  may 
seem  ever  so  commonplace.  Nothing  is  com- 
monplace when  we  know  the  substance  of  truth 
in  it;  it  is  just  finding  God  after  all,  finding  His 
bounteous  supply,  finding  the  beautiful  side  to 
things  we  had  hoped  to  forget. 

God  does  not  mean  for  us  to  forget,  however, 
until  we  have  learned  to  master ;  nor  is  it  slavery, 
but  living  in  obedience  to  the  natural  law  of  the 
beautiful,  God's  law,  that  carries  us  beyond  the 
things  that  might  have  been  harmful  if  seen 
through  material  eyes  only.  The  result  of  such 
science  of  thought  is  that  of  health  and  happi- 
ness. The  more  beauty  we  bring  into  our  being 
the  better  health  we  will  have.  Everything  is 
beautiful  when  we  know  how  to  find  the  beauty 
in  it;  and  the  way? — ^'I  am  the  Way,  the  Truth, 
and  the  Life.'' 

We  make  others  happy  when  we  shed  the 
truth  around  them,  compelling  love;  that  is,  the 
natural  love  of  man  for  his  fellow  man. 

^^LOVE  THY  NEIGHBOE  AS  THYSELF." 

And  this  also  is  in  obedience  to  ^^THOU 
SHALT  NOT  KILL''  and  ^^THOU  SHALT 
NOT  STEAL."  We  steal  the  rights  of  others 
when  we  stoop  to  pilfer  their  freedom,  and  this 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  31 

alludes  to  every  living  creature  as  well  as  man- 
kind. We  rob  them  of  their  natural  birthright; 
the  right  to  be  loved,  not  hated,  not  feared. 

**In  all  places  where  I  record  My  name,  I  will 
come  to  thee  and  I  will  bless  thee.'*  His  name  is 
recorded  in  the  Garden  of  God. 

Another  great  result  of  the  science  of  ex- 
pressed thought  is  that  we  grow  in  love,  become 
more  Christlike;  hence  we  are  not  only  giving 
happiness  to  every  living  thing  that  passes  our 
way,  but  we  heal,  consciously  or  unconsciously. 
We  lead  the  lame  and  see  for  the  blind.  Love — 
Divine!     0  INEXHAUSTIBLE  fountain! 

God  does  not  demand  slavery,  nor  is  man  en- 
slaved; but  God  does  demand  that  man  follow  in 
the  footsteps  of  ^^HIS  LIKENESS  AND 
IMAGE''  for  the  GOOD  OF  MAN.  Man  en- 
slaves himself  when  he  refuses  the  truth,  in  which 
he  might  have  been  a  great  factor  for  good.  The 
church  stands  amidst  strife  and  contention,  grow- 
ing ever  nearer  our  hearts  as  we  realize  that  it 
stands  for  GOD  and  ALL  THE  NAME  IM- 
PLIES. 

**He  loved,  and  did  not  hate; 
He  healed,  and  did  no  harm." 

We  pick  up  an  apple ;  it  has  a  worm-eaten  core ; 
we  do  not  despise  the  TREE  because  the  apple 
was  bad;  no,  we  go  straightway  to  the  tree  and 
search  for  a  good  apple.  The  church,  like  the 
tree,  bears  much  fruit.  The  man  that  ascends 
the  steps  to  the  altar  gives  freely.  Our  souls 
with  devotion  illumined  accept  in  humble  submis- 


32  FACE    TO   FACE 

sion;  we  hear  no  evil,  we  see  no  evil,  we  are  en- 
veloped in  the  gauze  of  SPIRITUAL  UNDER- 
STANDING. The  serpent  of  doubt  and  mis- 
trust cannot  enter  the  kingdom  filled  with 
DIVINE  LOVE,  whether  that  kingdom  be  within 
or  without. 

To  remember  to  *4ove  thy  neighbor  as  thy- 
self^' when  entering  the  church  door  is  a  supreme 
way  of  confessing  God.  No  evil  can  withstand  the 
beauty  of  a  soul  living  in  PURE  CONSCIENCE. 
Love  is  the  LAW  OF  LIFE,  in  the  FULLEST 
SENSE  OF  PURE  CONSCIENCE.  **Are  not 
two  sparrows  sold  for  two  farthings,  and  NOT 
ONE  is  forgotten  before  Godr' 

Every  victory  we  gain  without  injury  to  our 
feUow  man,  brings  us  nearer  to  God  and  the 
angels.  This  is  fact,  and  not  fancy.  ^^Get  thee 
behind  me,  Satan!'*  is  putting  all  things  of  an 
unpleasant  and  doubtful  nature  behind  us,  as 
well  as  temptation.  It  is  rising  above  the  worm- 
eaten  core,  ascending  to  the  heights  where  truth 
alone  makes  itself  manifest:  It  is  MATERI- 
ALIZED SPIRITUAL  POWER. 

^*  Beloved,  let  us  love  one  another,  for  LOVE 
is  of  God,  and  everyone  that  loveth  is  born  of 
GOD  and  KNOWETH  GOD.  He  that  loveth  not, 
knoweth  not  God,  for  GOD  IS  LOVE.'^ 

One  of  the  greatest  virtues  that  man  can 
possess  is  to  be  loyal  to  a  friend.  It  calls  forth 
the  virtues  of  integrity.  That  is,  to  do  as  you 
would  be  done  by;  not  in  part,  but  entire.  Some 
are  our  friends  just  as  long  as  some  other  person 
does  not  carry  tales  that  bear  fruit.     It  may  be 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  33 

for  better,  it  may  be  for  worse,  but  were  the  one 
to  whom  these  friends  come  living  in  the  TEUE 
SENSE  of  pure  conscience,  both  friends  could  be 
held  without  clashing  one  with  the  other  or  upon 
the  friend  of  both.  To  live  in  pure  conscious  is 
to  attract  friends  and  hold  them — if  they  are 
worthy,  deserving  respect.  Few,  indeed,  can  keep 
more  than  one  confidential  friend  at  a  time. 
Why?  Because  of  LACK  of  truth.  Where  there 
is  a  lack  of  truth,  jealousy,  envy  and  falsehood 
creep  in.  This  holds  good  in  the  church  also. 
Every  member  living  in  truth  will  be  a  friend  of 
the  others  in  pure  conscience  when  TRUTH  is 
the  keynote,  when  WISDOM  is  sought  in  place  of 
censure.  It  is  God's  house,  brother;  to  keep  it 
in  harmony  with  God's  kingdom  is  to  hold  har- 
mony within  OUR  OWN  SOULS. 

God  can  do  so  much  MORE  for  us  if  we  are  in 
TUNE  WITH  HIM.  Let  us  remember  this  al- 
ways. To  be  in  tune  with  Him  is  to  be  in  tune 
with  our  fellow  man.  This  is  unity  in  the  highest 
sense  of  expression.  The  problems  so-called 
of  the  Bible  would  be  much  more  readily  under- 
stood if  the  WORD  was  transmitted  through  a 
righteous  receiver.  We  have  no  greater  aim  in 
life  than  to  reach  the  goal  of  perfection  in  ALL 
MANIFESTATIONS  of  spiritual  weKare.  There 
can  be  no  more  exalted  life  than  the  life  lived 
in  pure  conscience. 

I  know  it  seems  strange  sometimes  to  those 
who  do  right  (as  near  as  they  know  right)  that 
they  do  not  receive  the  reward  that  follows  right 
doing  as  soon  as  they  think  they  should.     The 


34  FACE    TO   FACE 

power  behind  the  throne  is  nevertheless  working 
to  bring  to  the  surface  all  just  reward,  when  it 
has  materialized  FULLY  in  the  lives  of  those  who 
seek  reward.  Troubles  oft,  too  oft,  spring  from 
a  wellspring  of  inharmony;  somewhere  those 
seeking  reward  have  refused  to  live  in  the  high- 
est expression  of  truth. 

Keeping  awake  to  truth  is  a  great  virtue.  We 
let  our  clocks  run  down  now  and  then.  We  fail 
to  care  for  them  as  the  NATUEE  OF  CLOCKS 
demand  they  should  be  cared  for ;  by  and  by  they 
refuse  to  give  us  service.  So  with  truth.  It  must 
be  tenderly  cared  for,  eagerly  watched,  a  lamp 
unto  our  feet.  Truth  is  something  that  must  be 
held  to,  and  profited  by.  It  will  not  give  partial 
service  when  it  is  properly  cared  for. 

Sorrows  are  one  grade  in  our  school  of  learn- 
ing; they  are  the  strings  on  the  harpsichord  of 
time  and  may  be  attuned  to  time  as  often  as  the 
performer  (predestiny)  wishes  to  play.  ^^Who- 
soever doth  not  bear  the  cross  and  come  after 
me  cannot  be  my  Disciple.'' 

We  test  gold  to  see  whether  it  is  pure  gold; 
we  test  the  fruit  of  the  tree  to  see  whether  it  is 
perfect  in  flavor,  weight  and  color.  If  we  find  an 
imperfection  we  set  about  cultivating  the  tree 
until  it  does  bear  perfect  fruit.  We,  however, 
too  oft  end  there — we  do  not  look  to  the  FIEST 
GREAT  CAUSE,  nor  do  we  attempt  to  cultivate 
the  truth  within  our  own  being;  we  succumb  to 
the  ravages  of  time  and  tide,  wandering  about 
like  a  lost  chord.  This  is  not  true  efficiency;  it  is 
not  holding  ^Ho   that  which  is   good'';   to   the 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  35 

golden  chain  in  which  there  is  no  semblance  of 
tinkling  brass. 

The  church  is  a  place  we  go  to  give  thanks 
for  the  great  PRINCIPLE  for  which  the 
church  stands;  and  to  give  thanks  for  the  PER- 
SONAL PRESENCE  of  God,  our  Father,  our 
friend  and  our  Creator ;  the  beginning  and  end  of 
all.  And  we  also  go  to  church  to  see  how  others 
are  growing  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit,  that  we  may 
better  the  quality  of  our  own.  Knowledge  will 
never  do  the  tree  anv  good,  however,  unless  we 
apply  PRACTICAL  APPLICATION.  Practical 
application  is  the  best  teacher.  Adherent  vim,  the 
GREATEST  PRODUCER  in  it,  is  not  only  self 
cultivation  and  preservation,  but  an  example  be- 
fore the  world.  Hence  we  are  following  in  His 
footsteps.  He  whose  fate  is  that  of  NORMAL  in- 
tellectuality accepts  discrimination  as  a  NAT- 
URAL INSTRUCTOR  between  good  and  evil; 
fate  and  predetermined  inevitable  and  adequate 
efficiency,  as  his  natural  BIRTHRIGHT. 

Truth  is  within;  all  it  needs  is  to  be  called 
forth  into  expressive  principles  in  works,  by 
faith,  looking  ever  beyond  the  trials  of  mortal 
man,  keeping  away  from  things  that  will  not  keep 
us  looking  up.  ^'The  actual  fervent  prayers  of 
a  righteous  man  availeth  much.*' 

**  Seeing  you  have  purified  your  souls  by  obey- 
ing the  truth  through  the  spirit  unto  unfeigned 
love  of  the  brethren,  with  a  pure  heart  fervently; 
BEING  BORN  AGAIN,  not  of  corruptible  seed, 
but  of  incorruptible,  by  the  word  of  God  which 
liveth  and  abideth  forever.     For  all  flesh  is  as 


36  FACE    TO   FACE 

grass,  the  glory  of  man  as  the  flower  of  grass. 
Grass  wither eth  and  the  flower  thereof  fadeth 
away,  but  the  WORD  OF  THE  LORD  END  [TE- 
ETH FOREVER/' 

Holding  fast  the  guiding  hand  omnipotent  in 
its  power,  is  the  faith  that  leads  to  soul  growth. 
Some  day  we  will  have  so  grown  in  soul  truth 
we  may  go  back  and  build  our  nests  in  safety 
where  once  the  shadows  fell  too  thick.  As  we 
grow  in  Spiritual  truth  our  vision  changes,  things 
have  a  different  meaning  to  us;  things  we  were 
once  afraid  of  make  us  laugh  now;  things  we 
have  striven  to  the  breaking  point  to  possess,  we 
would  not  have  at  any  price.  For  such  is  the 
gift  of  the  Spirit.  ^*  Every  good  gift  and  every 
perfect  gift  comes  from  above,  with  Whom  there 
are  no  variations,  neither  shadow  of  turning.  *' 

**Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God  and  the 
Father  is  this:  To  visit  the  fatherless  and  wid- 
ows in  their  affliction;  and  to  keep  SELF  un- 
spotted before  the  world.''  *^Not  that  we  have 
dominion  of  your  faith,  but  we  are  helpless  of 
your  joy,  for  BY  FAITH  YE  STAND." 

^*  What  profiteth  it,  my  brethren,  if  a  man  say  he 
hath  faith  and  not  works;  can  faith  save  him!  If 
a  brother  or  sister  be  naked,  destitute  of  food, 
and  one  say  be  ye  warmed  and  filled,  notwith- 
standing ye  give  them  not  those  things  needful  to 
the  body,  what  doth  it  profit  in  FAITH  if  it  hath 
not  works?  Harken,  brethren,  hath  not  God 
chosen  the  poor  of  this  world  rich  in  faith,  heirs 
to  the  kingdom  which  He  hath  prepared  for  those 
that  love  Him!" 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OP  GOD  37 

This  is  the  point  upon  which  the  infidel  dwells 
so  emphatically,  saying:  **GOD  BRIBES  YOU 
TO  LOVE  HIM.''  Again  the  infidel  loses  the 
thread  of  his  argument,  for  does  not  God  say 
also,  ^*T0  HIM  THAT  HATH,  MORE  SHALL 
BE  GIVEN''?  We  have  something,  when  we 
have  faith. 

Faith  is  not  a  theory,  it  is  a  LIVING  PRES- 
ENCE, something  to  HOLD  TO,  something  that 
CREATES  DESTINIES,  something  given  to  us 
in  nature  (just  letting  life  live) ;  not  a  happy-go- 
lucky  state,  but  the  SINCERE  DESIRE  TO 
LIVE  in  the  FULLNESS  OF  FAITH  with  works 
as  a  stimulant,  as  a  cornerstone  that  is  wrought 
in  nature's  perfection.  He  who  lives  by  faith 
in  works,  inherits  the  kingdom  through  Divine 
love  ever  expressing  in  good  works;  hence  the 
creating  power  of  faith  works  miracles.  Faith 
held  before  our  eyes  to  profit  withal  is,  simply 
speaking,  God's  way  of  calling  US  INTO  OUR 
OWN ;  Love,  Divine  principle,  in  which  all  things 
worketh  for  good.  And  this  is  not  bribery,  but  as 
the  tender  love  of  a  father  for  his  child,  the  love 
that  wants  to  see  the  child  do  its  honest  best; 
^* Keeping  self  unspotted  before  the  world." 

To  obey  the  law  of  God  is  to  advance  in  truth ; 
to  advance  in  truth  is  to  inherit  the  kingdom;  it 
is  but  God's  call  to  perfection.  Where  true  value 
IS,  there  is  love,  and  THERE  is  God.  God  gives 
to  all  men  LIBERTY,  and  is  no  respecter  of  per- 
sons. 

**And  besides  all  this,  giving  all  diligence,  add 
to  your  faith  virtue,  and  to  virtue  knowledge,  and 


38  FACE    TO   FACE 

to  knowledge  temperance,  and  to  temperance 
patience,  and  to  patience  Grodliness,  and  to  God- 
liness brotherly  love,  charity;  for  if  these  things 
be  IN  YOU  and  AROUND  YOU,  they  make  ye 
shall  neither  be  barren  or  unfruitful  IN  THE 
KNOWLEDGE  OF  OUR  LORD  JESUS 
CHRIST.  But  he  that  lacketh  these  things  is 
blind  and  cannot  see  afar  off;  therefore  rather, 
brethren,  GIVE  DILIGENCE  YOUR  CALLING 
and  elation  sure,  for  IF  YE  DO  THINGS  YE 
SHALL  NEVER  FAIL.  Have  also  more  word 
of  prophecy.  You  do  well  to  take  heed  as  unto 
the  LIGHT  THAT  SHINETH  IN  DARK 
PLACES,  until  the  DAY  STAR  ARISE  IN 
YOUR  HEARTS. '' 

Faith  is  born  of  yearning;  underlying  all  there 
exists  a  continued  seeking  for  the  things  of  God 
and  for  God.  The  striving  for  earthly  gain  may 
seem  to  divert  it  for  a  time ;  nevertheless  it  comes 
back  again  and  again,  pleading  for  recognition. 
The  indefatigable  cry  of  the  Divine  weighs  heav- 
ily in  the  balance  until  human  Spirit  quickens  to 
meet  Divine.  Love  grows ;  and  in  truth  we  know ; 
and  FAITH  IS  AFFIRMED. 

Divine  LOVE,  is  the  sweetest  music  vibrating 
throughout  the  world;  those  who  keep  in  har- 
mony with  the  strains  will  not  be  confused  at  the 
Number  of  guide  boards,  but  will  rather  give 
thanks  that  the  HOPE  of  ETERNAL  LIFE  is 
made  manifest  in  so  many  hearts;  even  though 
it  be  not  OUR  WAY,  or  the  way  we  BELIEVE 
TO  BE  THE  WAY,  Divine  Love  rises  above  the 
din  of  battle  and  unrest.    It  found  its  way  to  the 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  39 

trenches  where  thousands  called  upon  its  protec- 
tion. It  was  that  love  that  lulled  to  sleep  the 
troubled  hearts  and  minds  of  those  left  behind. 
It  was  FAITH  in  that  love  that  made  Masters 
over  Kaiserism.  NAY,  we  are  NOT  enslaved  to 
God,  but  at  one  with  Him. 

It  is  Divine  Love  that  surges  in  the  hearts  of 
our  brave  that  makes  them  stand  at  ATTEN- 
TION, garbed  in  a  coat  of  olive  green;  watch- 
ing, waiting,  hoping,  yearning,  with  their  lamps 
trimmed  and  burning. 

INGERSOLL:  ^^Give  to  me  the  storms  and 
tempest  of  thought  rather  than  the  dead  calm 
of  ignorance  and  faith.'' 

LOTUS :  What  then — faith  expressed  in  works 
most  assuredly  requires  great  concentrated  in- 
terest. There  are  plenty  of  material  storms  com- 
ing our  way  to  try  our  faith,  I  assure  you.  Ig- 
norance is  not  found  in  the  REAL,  the  EAR- 
NEST. Think  you  it  is  ignorance  to  always  seek 
the  best?  To  call  forth  the  forces  of  intelligence 
into  ACTIVE  PRINCIPLES  AND  HIGHER 
MOTIVES?  Is  it  ignorance  to  concentrate  upon 
the  INNER  meaning  of  faith  and  APPLY  it  to 
daily  life  I  Faith  brings  a  wholeness,  a  complete- 
ness. It  does  not  give  in  part,  when  it  is  fully 
developed  in  the  soul  of  man  finding  expression 
in  works. 

Thought,  my  friend,  is  the  substance  that 
breeds  the  greatest  unrest  of  our  present  day.  It 
is  not  properly  LIBERATEOD ;  it  needs  the  attun- 
ing of  the  Celestial.  The  dark  brooding  of  uncer- 
tainty and  unrest  has  almost  ^^  knocked  the  hot- 


40  FACE   TO   FACE 

torn  out  of  the  bucket.''  There  must  be  a  lean- 
ing towards  the  backward  flight;  man  must  re- 
vert to  the  God  who  gave  him  life :  ^ '  Thou  shalt 
have  no  others  gods  before  Me.''  This  is  the  key 
that  unlocks  the  door  of  ignorance.  Oh,  man! 
how  futile  are  thy  ways ;  thou  art  drifting  a  long 
way  from  nature.  Look  over  yonder — see  the 
trees — the  birds — the  mountains — and  just  be- 
yond, the  trickling  stream?  ^^What  of  it?"  Man, 
it  is  the  NATUEAL  PLAY  OF  NATURE  where- 
in there  are  no  morbid  broodings,  no  unrest: 
JUST  PEACE,  just  giving,  and  taking,  in  the 
true  sense  of  Divine  right.  RIGHT  breeds 
MIGHT;  the  mightiness  of  the  hour,  the  day,  the 
chance. 

INGERSOLL:  ''Man  has  no  ideas  except 
those  suggested  by  his  surroundings.  He  cannot 
conceive  of  anything  utterly  unlike  that  he  has 
felt." 

LOTUS:  There  is  an  active  desire  to  further 
the  interest  of  some  scheme  (idea)  that  could 
hardly  be  called  feeling,  but  rather  sensitiveness 
Our  surroundings  may  not  inspire  ideas,  and 
again  they  may.  The  truth  is,  that  inspiration  is 
born  of  spirit — it  is  Angel  breath.  Perchance  it 
may  only  brush  our  cheek,  yet  we  recognize  it  in 
our  ideals:  It  is  not  feehng,  it  is  KNOWING. 
When  God  has  work  for  man,  His  Spirit  descends 
upon  him  as  the  breath  of  Spring  upon  the  daffo- 
dils; God's  purpose  is  born  within,  taking  the 
form  of  an  idea,  an  inspiration,  reaching  to- 
wards  the   sunshine   of  materialization.     Man's 


IN  THE   GARDEN  OF  GOD  41 

part  is  sweet  and  savory;  it  is  to  develop  the  in- 
spiration (idea)  into  the  perfect  star  that  shines 
alike  on  all  mankind  without  respect  of  persons. 
Co-operation  with  God  is  the  SUPREME  QUAL- 
ITY of  Being. 

The  prompting  Spirit  is  beyond  the  ordinary, 
yet  it  seeks  expression  in  the  ordinary,  that  man 
may  become  conscious  of  His  Likeness  and  Image ; 
that  he  may  also  live  legitimately  with  his  BET- 
TER SELF,  above  the  horizon  of  the  LITTLE 
man.  If  the  dawning  spiritual  nature  is  to  be 
developed  into  the  perfect  DAY-STAR,  man  must 
first  learn  to  master  self,  consenting  to  abide  by 
the  law  of  the  spiritual  man :  It  is  in  the  Spirit- 
ual that  the  highest  inspiration  is  found. 

There  is  a  time  and  a  place  where  all  mankind 
can  be  reached,  and  spiritual  truth  quickened 
within.  **  Wisdom  is  better  than  weapons  of  war, 
but  one  sinner  destroy eth  much  good.*'  Verily 
I  say  unto  you,  hold  your  heads  above  the  waters 
of  treason,  knowing  that  while  one  sinner  de- 
stroyeth  much  good,  one  God  destroyeth  sin  in 
one  sinner;  therefore,  God  and  good  prevail. 
*^To  everything  a  season,  and  a  time  to  every 
purpose  under  the  heavens ;  a  time  to  keep  silent 
and  a  time  to  speak.'' 

In  ye  olden  days  much  stress  was  laid  upon 
time  and  place.  In  the  present  day  and  age  it  is 
termed  a  superstition  that  should  be  abolished 
to  begin  a  journey  in  the  new  of  the  moon.  It 
is  well  to  remember,  however,  that  in  ye  olden 
days  they  were  obliged  to  conform  somewhat  to 


42  FACE    TO   FACE 

the  condition  of  the  elements.  They  did  not  have 
the  modern  conveniences  of  travel  that  we  have 
now. 

Take,  for  example,  '^at  the  time  of  the  new  and 
full  moon  the  tidal  forces  of  the  moon  and  sun 
act  in  the  same  direction,  while  at  the  first  and 
last  quarters  they  oppose  each  other.  When  they 
unite  their  forces  we  have  spring  tides,  charac- 
terized by  large  ranges  of  the  tide ;  when  they  are 
opposed,  neap  tides,  having  small  ranges.  The 
spring  and  neap  tides  usually  occur  soon  after 
the  corresponding  phases  of  the  moon.  The  in- 
terval is  called  the  Eetard,  or  Age  of  the  Tide, 
or  Age  of  the  Phase  Inequality,  and  is  usually 
less  than  sixty  hours.  The  limited  intervals  have 
their  mean  values  at  the  time  of  the  spring  and 
neap  tides,  the  tides  occurring  a  fraction  of  an 
hour  earlier  between  spring  and  neap  tides,  and 
later  between  neap  tides  and  spring.  Other 
things  being  equal,  the  range  tide  is  greater  than 
usual — about  one-sixth  part — when  the  moon  is 
near  Perigee,  and  about  as  much  less  than  usual 
when  near  Apogee.  An  increase  or  a  decrease  of 
about  one-tenth  part  of  the  range  occurs  when 
the  moon  is  near  the  equator,  near  the  point  of 
extreme  declination,  respectively;  while  the  in- 
equalities among  the  four  tides  of  a  day  are  due 
to  the  presence  of  a  diurnal  wave,  or  partial  tide, 
whose  period  is  approximately  twenty-four 
hours.  The  cause  of  this  lies  in  the  fact  that 
if  the  Moon  is  north  or  south  of  the  equator, 
its  tidal  forces  are  somewhat  different  when  two 
half  lunar  days  apart  are  compared. 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  43 

*^A11  particles  of  the  earth  (the  sea  included) 
will  continue  to  occupy  positions  fixed  relative  to 
one  another,  if  no  other  forces  are  impressed  upon 
them,  as  following:  the  earth's  attraction,  its  cen- 
trifugal force  or  axial  rotation,  and  a  force  acting 
upon  all  particles.  For  example,  the  centrifugal 
force,  due  to  the  revolution  of  the  earth  about 
the  center  of  gravity,  or  earth  and  moon.  If  an 
extraneous  force  does  not  work  upon  all  particles 
alike,  the  motions  will  set  up  the  yielding  parts. 
The  attraction  of  the  Moon  upon  a  given  particle 
(near  the  surface  say)  is  along  a  line  drawn  (at 
any  given  instant)  from  the  particle  to  the 
Moon's  center.  Its  intensity,  which  is  inversely 
proportional  to  the  square  of  the  distance  and  its 
local  direction  (that  is,  direction  with  respect 
to  the  earth's  surface)  continually  changes  as  the 
earth  rotates  upon  its  axis.  The  attraction  of  the 
Moon  upon  particles  at  the  earth's  center — or  upon 
the  earth  as  a  whole — is  along  the  line  drawn 
from  the  earth's  center. 

**A  consideration  of  this  tendency  will  enable  us 
to  answer  the  question  why  there  should  be  two 
high  waters  each  lunar  day  instead  of  only  one 
high  water.  In  a  single  instance,  the  reason  is 
that  the  Moon  attracts  the  water  on  the  hemi- 
sphere facing  the  moon,  more  powerfully  than 
it  does  the  water  on  the  further  side  of  the 
earth;  but  attracts  the  earth  in  general,  more 
powerfully  than  it  does  the  water  on  the  further 
side  of  the  earth.  The  difference  between  the 
action  of  the  moon  at  any  point  of  the  ocean  is 
its  tide  producing  force  at  a  specified  time." 


44  FACE    TO   FACE 

You  no  doubt  know  this  to  the  letter;  and  yet, 
have  you  ever  thought  of  it  in  this  connection? 
**But/'  you  say,  ** there  is  the  desert.'^  Yea,  ver- 
ily, there  IS  the  desert,  and  the  Moon  has  its  effect 
upon  the  desert.  0,  the  peace  of  the  desert  at 
moontime ! 

The  people  of  old  began  a  journey  upon  a  given 
time.  Therein  lieth  wisdom,  the  wisdom  that  can- 
not be  destroyed  by  the  one  sinner.  When  Divine 
wisdom  is  turned  in  quickening  Spiritual  intelli- 
gence, it  may  be  likened  unto  a  silver  stream 
through  which  Divine  light  and  substance  flow; 
soul  truth,  the  day-star  that  knows  no  night. 
These  people  were  in  unity  with  the  forces  gov- 
erning the  universe.  That  is  a  large  part  of  soul 
truth;  it  brings  mankind  so  close  to  nature,  to 
the  laws  governing  nature,  to  the  Divine  in 
nature. 

I  want  to  take  you  to  a  little  home  in  the  far 
northwest.  This  home  was  named  TEIUMPH, 
as  it  was  in  this  home  a  great  geological  triumph 
was  completed,  in  which  the  Wasp  (self  termed) 
was  spending  the  happiest  days  of  his  life;  the 
world  at  large  having  lost  sight  of  him.  It  is  his 
fondest  wish  to  remain  in  his  home  of  Triumph, 
among  the  great  pines,  while  he  lives  upon  this 
mundane  plane,  unmolested.  As  we  sat  talking 
of  the  beauty  of  the  surrounding  country  and  its 
value  to  man,  the  moon  lifted  its  silvery  sheen 
above  the  tops  of  the  wonderful  trees. 

I  had  not  intended  to  refer  to  my  host's  profes- 
sion in  any  way ;  in  fact,  I  had  given  my  word  not 
to,  would  he  grant  an  interview.     But  the  glory 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  45 

of  the  Harvest  Moon  brought  to  my  lips  spon- 
taneously: **0,  tell  me,  how  do  YOU  see  the 
moonf  The  quiet,  dreamy  man  at  my  side 
looked  up  cheerfully ;  was  he  glad  I  had  asked  ?  I 
hoped  so. 

**How  do  I  see  the  moonT'  came  half  joyfully, 
half  reverently,  from  his  lips.  **Why,  it  is  a  force 
that  attracts  the  subjects  upon  the  earth  plane ;  it 
has  a  peculiar  magnetic  force  that  compels.  It 
has  magnitude  that  comprises  vaporous  ether 
and  a  solid  mass  of  mineral.  It  is  fathoms  deep. 
The  exterior  is  a  phosphorous  substance  infusing 
itself,  its  strength  and  power  upon  the  earth 
plane.  It  has  no  diameter,  it  has  circumference. 
It  has  a  magnetic  force  that  compels  certain  ex- 
pressions upon  land  and  sea.'* 

Long  we  sat  silent,  painting  dream  pictures.  I 
was  somewhat  nonplussed  that  my  host  did  not 
remind  me  of  my  promise.  Finally  he  said:  ^*I 
do  not  wonder  at  your  spontaneous  query;  it  is 
one  that  could  hardly  be  avoided,  seeing  the 
moon  from  this  point.'' 

And  then  we  drifted  in  days  of  old.  We  wan- 
dered with  Mary  and  Joseph  through  the  night, 
we  looked  at  the  star  with  the  three  wise  men, 
and  then  changed  our  course.  I  asked  my  host 
what  he  thought  of  the  so-caUed  superstitions  of 
those  days. 

**It  was  more  of  an  attuned  Godliness,  and  a 
knowledge  of  nature's  forces  than  superstition, 
that  caused  the  people  of  old  to  take  a  journey 
upon  a  given  time.  Have  you  ever  wondered, 
my  friend,  when  your  eyes  have  fallen  upon  this 


46  FACE    TO   FACE 

little  passage  in  the  Bible:  *^It  is  a  good  land 
which  the  Lord  our  God  hath  given  us,'*  have 
you?  Yea  verily,  said  I:  '^ It  IS  a  GOOD  land, 
which  the  LOED  OUR  GOD  hath  given  us/* 

A  far  away  look  came  into  the  eyes  of  my 
friend,  a  look  of  wonderful  love  for  the  Omnipo- 
tent hand  that  had  made  it  a  good  land.  Silently 
I  sat  waiting,  the  silent  devotion  of  my  host  was 
one  in  which  I  too  could  join.  Finally  he  said: 
**It  has  been  two  hours  spent  with  a  kindred 
spirit,  it  almost  makes  me  want  to  go  back  to  city 
life  that  I  may  meet  more  kindred  spirits;  and 
yet,  (with  a  sweep  of  his  still  beautiful  hand)  all 
nature  is  kin.  I  have  found  great  inspiration 
here.  I  have  found  solace  in  the  whisper  of  the 
leaves,  I  fall  asleep  when  the  crickets  sing  their 
lullaby;  I  find  amusement  in  the  croak  of  the 
frogs,  they  inspired  the  slumbering  little  sunken 
garden  at  your  feet." 

^^But,**  I  cried,  ^^do  you  not  find  it  very  lonely 
and  cold  in  the  winter  months?'* 

**Cold!  truly,  it  is  cold;  but  have  you  never 
thought  of  the  frost  on  the  window  pane  and 
what  it  brings  with  it  I" 

Truly  I  have.  I  was  delighted  to  think  he  had 
fathomed  the  secret  I  had  held  so  long; — the 
beautiful  frost,  snow  and  ice  crystal  would  tend  to 
strengthen  the  knowledge  of  spiritual  things.  I 
was  well  launched,  my  studies  would  interest 
him,  and  it  would  help  my  sailing,  I  thought. 
But  my  host  was  asking  what  I  had  found  in  my 
studies.  I  have  found  that  things  as  small  as 
frost,  snow  and  ice  crystals  hold  countless  wells 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  47 

of  beauty;  years  of  study;  they  are  FULL  of 
wonders.  I  can  say  without  exaggeration  that 
these  crystals  are  formed  in  the  ethereal  frag- 
ments of  the  Divine ;  that  is,  they  are  formed  by 
the  co-mingling  of  the  Divine  and  material.  All 
things  that  are  perfected  according  to  the  laws  of 
nature  spring  from  the  Divine  within  their  imme- 
diate surroundings,  or  passage  through  air,  as 
the  case  may  be;  hence,  we  not  only  have  the 
beautiful  formations  of  frost,  snow  and  ice  crys- 
tals, but  we  have  the  formation  of  jewels  rare 
and  beautiful. 

Were  mankind  for  one  moment  to  watch  the 
formation  of  these  wonderful  and  beautiful  gems 
they  would  cry  out  in  amaze.  When  a  jewel  is 
placed  on  the  hand  of  a  loved  one,  its  beauty  and 
value  only  are  thought  of.  Little  they  know  what 
wonderful  formation  they  are  in  possession  of — 
the  formation  of  Divine  Light,  Divine  Substance 
— that  has  first  etherealized  itself  and  then  crys- 
tallized itself  !by  underground  chemical  opera- 
tions. 

All  the  world,  and  all  therein,  was  FIRST 
etherealized  and  then  materialized.  This  is  none 
other  than  the  power  of  spirit,  the  Spirit  that 
moved  upon  the  face  of  the  waters.  Every  true 
gem  speaks  of  the  Divine  working  of  CRE- 
ATIVE FORCES ;  this  would  lead  us  to  thought, 
and  its  effect.  If  thoughts  be  of  love,  then  are 
they  not  pure  spirit?  What  then  must  be  the 
crystals  of  thought  (spirit)  meeting  spirit?  Ma- 
terial thought  becomes  purified  by  its  passage 
through  air ;  and  yet,  there  is  a  fragment  of  what 


48  FACE    TO   FACE 

has  been,  that  tells  the  story  of  life  and  its  deeds 
upon  this  plane.  These  fragments  are  called 
THINGS.  Deeds  (things)  crystallized  in  the 
ethereal,  materialize  power  to  do  according  to  the 
value  of  the  thought  and  deed. 

A  pigeon  cooed  to  its  mate;  the  scent  of  the 
pines  almost  intoxicated  me,  whilst  we — with  in- 
terests in  common — clasped  hands  and  bade  adieu 
in  silence;  it  could  not  have  been  otherwise. 
There  are  moments  when  words  availeth  not, 
when  spirit  meets  spirit  in  the  boundaries  of  the 
Divine. 

As  I  walked  through  the  moonlight  to  my  car 
waiting  in  the  distance,  I  thought  how  natural  is 
Spirit;  it  could  not  be  forced;  it  was  NATUEE, 
and  nature  does  not  respond  to  force,  but  to 
love.  A  time,  thought  I,  to  throw  away  some 
things  that  would  retard  the  flow  of  the  silver 
stream. 

AH!  it  is  the  serene  Spirit  that  rocks  the 
cradles  of  the  great ;  the  serene  mind  that  ^  ^  holds 
fast  that  which  is  good. ' '  And  so,  in  the  days  of 
old,  it  was  not  considered  superstition  to  plant  po- 
tatoes in  the  dark  of  the  moon.  ^^The  moon  has 
not  the  power,''  they  said,  '^to  draw  the  magnetic 
food  that  compels  growth  in  its  dark  stages." 
Some  say  to  plant  potatoes  in  the  new  of  the  moon 
is  to  give  added  life ;  that  is,  the  compelling  force 
of  the  new  moon  will  cause  almost  instantaneous 
growth.  It  is  a  matter  of  magnetic  force.  The 
moon  has  greater  power,  in  greater  measure,  in 
different  stages  of  its  expression.  It  is  not 
really  a  superstition  but  the  PAETLY  DEVEL- 


tiST  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  49 

OPED  understanding  of  magnetic  growth  in  var- 
ious parts  of  the  earth,  or  a  matter  of  opinion; 
in  some  cases,  a  matter  of  climate.  It  is  a  science 
that  has  never  been  fully  or  satisfactorily  ex- 
plained, but  put  aside  as  a  superstition  that 
should  have  been  abolished.  It  is  one  of  the 
LITTLE  THINGS  that  may  some  day  evolve 
into  a  great  scientific  principle. 

We  know  the  moon  IS ;  we  know  the  earth  IS ; 
and  yet  do  we  know  the  relative  value  of  TIME 
and  PLACE?  We  have  good  potatoes,  **so  why 
worry?*'  says  the  material  man.  Yes,  we  have 
good  potatoes — sometimes;  but,  we  have  better 
potatoes  in  one  part  of  the  country  than  another, 
and  we  have  finer  potatoes  on  one  farm  than  on 
another.  WHY  IS  IT?  Is  it  the  care  or  care- 
lessness of  the  farmer,  better  soil  one  place 
than  another,  or  time  and  place?  It  can  be  ANY 
or  ALL  of  these — farmer,  soil,  or  time.  The 
thing  that  stands  out  clear  and  distinct  IS  that 
we  have  NOT  mastered  the  art  of  planting  po- 
tatoes. As  simple  as  this  may  seem  to  you,  it  is 
but  the  illustration  of  the  whole.  We  have  not 
become  masters  of  time  and  place.  We  have 
thrown  by  an  OPPORTUNITY  at  the  value  of  a 
superstition. 

In  olden  days  mankind  strived  to  OBTAIN  the 
** understanding  that  cometh  with  the  morning." 
They  were  to  a  great  extent  in  tune  with  the 
FORCES  GOVERNING  the  universe,  hence 
THAT  class  of  miracles.  Today  mankind  is 
more  in  tune  with  COMMERCE  than  with  the 
DIVINE  IN  NATURE,  therefore  that  class  of 


50  FACE    TO   FACE 

miracles  HAS  MATEEIALLY  CHANGED. 
Ever  since  the  world  began  there  have  been  those 
who  have  sought  truth  when  they  were  com- 
pletely OUT  OF  TUNE  WITH  TEUTH;  hence 
they  are  seeking  something  they  NEVER  WILL 
ATTAIN,  because  it  has  NO  existence.  Truth  is 
attune-ment.  A  NEW  THEORY  is  a  butterfly 
without  wings;  an  OLD  TRUTH  is  a  perfect  bit 
of  rejoicing. 

*' There  is  a  time  and  a  place  for  every  pur- 
pose under  the  heavens.''  Purpose  includes  the 
planting — of  potatoes.  Some  day  there  will  come 
from  our  schools  of  agriculture  a  great  soul  who 
will  explain  many  of  the  miracles  of  time  and 
place;  not  alone  seasons  but  the  magnetic  qual- 
ities of  earth,  moon,  sun  and  stars;  and — the 
planting  of  potatoes.  It  will  not  be  a  peasant  alone 
who  through  watching  and  working  for  years  has 
observed,  but  the  scholar  who  has  co-mingled  his 
experiences  with  his  tuition,  tactics  and  theories. 
At  any  rate  the  one  who  concentrates  upon  a 
GIVEN  THING  becomes  more  or  less  in  TUNE 
WITH  IT,  and  the  forces  governing  it.  We  are 
rapidly  passing  through  the  dark  stages  of  ignor- 
ance into  the  wonderful  morning  of  a  better  un- 
derstanding. Then  will  NATURAL  results  of 
THINGS  be  not  so  weird  and  unseemly  but  a 
part  of  the  GREAT  ETERNAL  WHOLE. 
Things  that  seem  to  tinge  of  superstition  now 
will  be  understood  and  valued  accordingly.  Too 
much  thought  has  been  directed  towards  abolish- 
ing, when  the  causes  should  have  been  investi- 
gated no   matter  how   trifling  they  may   seem 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  51 

Somewhere  within  them  there  is  SOMETHING 
for  US ;  whether  it  be  a  lesson  in  which  we  learn 
the  law  of  efficiency,  or  the  dry  fact  of  incompe- 
tence. True,  there  are  many  of  these  we  may 
wish  to  lay  aside,  but  how  are  we  to  know  the 
value  of  the  few  if  the  WHOLE  is  not  taken  into 
consideration?  The  apple  is  not  tested  by  its 
color  alone;  its  flavor  and  weight  are  taken  into 
consideration.  We  must  learn  to  look  at  things 
FACE  TO  FACE  without  fearing  contaminating 
influences,  if  we  ever  expect  to  glean  enough 
truth  to  understand  the  NATUEE  OF  THINGS. 

What  woman,  having  ten  pieces  of  silver,  if 
she  lose  one  piece,  doth  not  light  a  candle  and 
sweep  the  house,  and  seek  diligently  till  she  find 
it?  And  when  she  hath  found  it,  she  calleth  her 
friends  and  her  neighbors  together,  saying :  *  *  Ee- 
joice  with  me  for  I  have  found  the  piece  which 
I  had  lost!''  Likewise,  I  say  unto  you — there  is 
joy  in  the  presence  of  the  Angels  of  God  over 
one  sinner  that  repenteth. 

What  is  EEPENTANCE?  It  is  HOLDING 
FAST  THAT  WHICH  IS  GOOD,  COM- 
PLETELY SEVEEING  the  tie  that  has  made  re- 
pentance necessary,  keeping  in  harmony  with  God 
whom  you  have  had  so  long  a  time  with  you.  To 
become  in  tune  (harmony)  with  God  is  to  come 
into  greater  understanding  of  the  things  of  God. 
This  is  another  scientific  truth  contained  in  the 
Bible:  **If  you  love  me,  you  will  keep  my  com- 
mandments. ' ' 

We  know,  or  ought  to  know,  that  to  become  in 
tune  with  the  CEEATOE  of  our  BEING,  is  to 


52  FACE    TO   FACE 

come  into  power  of  good  in  that  being,  and  that 
leads  ever  upward.  To  SEEK  the  BEST  faith- 
fully, **with  ALL  CUE  HEART, '»  is  to  find  the 
best;  when  we  find  the  best,  we  usually  apply  it. 
This  is  a  CREATIVE  PRINCIPLE  and  IS  a 
TRUTH.  It  is  Godly,  hence  is  not  found  in  any 
other  expression  of  life.  This  is  why  man  must 
necessarily  be  IN  TUNE  with  the  CONSTRUCT- 
IVE PRINCIPLES  OF  BEING  to  apply  them 
to  outward  expressions.  This  shows  plainly  why 
those  seeking  truth  through  a  channel  that 
NEVER  HAS  HAD  an  existence  cannot  find 
what  they  are  seeking.  They 'have  left  the  SUB- 
STANCE and  are  trying  to  CREATE  A  SUB- 
STANCE THAT  HAS  NO  CONSTRUCTIVE 
PRINCIPLES.  In  other  words,  ''the  body  and 
NOT  the  blood,''  hence  he  fails  to  create  a  LIV- 
ING truth. 

God  is  the  SUBSTANCE  OF  TRUTH.  WITH- 
OUT Him  there  is  naught  but  the  MATERIAL 
mind  and  its  morbid  wanderings;  whereas,  were 
that  mind  to  soar  to  the  heights  it  would  be  trans- 
figured, claiming  its  own  DIVINE  RIGHT:— 
THAT  OF  DIVINE  INTELLIGENCE.  Then 
would  the  old  truth  ^'GOD  IS  LOVE''  ILLU- 
MINE man's  intelligence  into  spiritual  under- 
standing.   He  has  FOUND  and  is  not  seeking. 

^^No  man  having  put  his  hand  to  the  plow  and 
looking  backward  is  fit  for  the  kingdom  of  God. ' ' 
No  man  having  truth  WITHIN  need  turn  his 
head  to  see  HOW  MUCH  TRUTH  is  in  the 
*  *  other  fellow. "  To  be  in  tune  with  God  and  the 
higher  forces  is  power,  not  only  in  one's  own 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  53 

being,  but  attracts  a  like  power  in  the  world 
without.  Being  in  tune  embraces  TERRIFIC 
POSSIBILITIES;  it  also  emphasizes  *^SEEK 
YE  FIRST  THE  KINGDOM,  AND  ALL 
THINGS  NEEDFUL  SHALL  BE  ADDED 
UNTO  YOU.''  Not  only  that:  '*WHEN  A 
STRONG  MAN,  ARMED,  KEEPETH  HIS 
PALACE,  HIS  GODS  ARE  AT  PEACE.'' 

We  may  build  in  spirit  until  it  multiplies  the 
added  power  to  produce  THOUGHT  SUB- 
JECTS. What  could  not  be  produced  by  one 
FREED  FROM  LIMITATIONS?  God  created 
HIS  IDEAL, — the  spiritual  man;  if  we  do  not 
meet  that  ideal  we  are  then  the  less  THE  DI- 
VINE IDEA.  GOD  endowed  us  with  spiritual- 
ity. If  the  carnal  man  is  uppermost,  it  is  the 
fault  of  self,  or  training,  or  both. 

INGERSOLL:  **Man  in  his  ignorance  sup- 
posed that  all  phenomena  was  produced  by  some 
intelligent  power." 

LOTUS:  **God  works  in  wondrous  ways  His 
miracles  to  perform."  God  is  spirit,  spirit  is  in- 
telligence. That  which  HAS  BEEN  IS  NOW. 
*^My  son,  be  glad,  and  make  my  heart  glad,  that 
I  may  answer  him  that  reproacheth  me." 

** Every  word  of  God  is  pure."  Who  does  not 
love  and  reverence  the  pure?  IN  GOD'S  WORD 
only  will  the  crystal  stream  flow  on  unclouded  by 
infidelism.  It  is  not  LIVING  IN  TRUTH  to  be 
happy  today  and  tomorrow  die  in  soul  truth.  The 
life  of  the  DAY  STAR  is  a  constant  PHENOM- 
ENON to  those  who  CLOSE  THEIR  EYES  TO 
THE  TRUTH  in  it.     There  is  a  great  Presence 


54  PACE    TO   FACE 

with  us  all  that  seems  phenomenal  to  those  who 
do  not  understand  the  working  PEINCIPLES  of 
it.  Ofttimes  seemingly  inanimate  things  are  phe- 
nomenal in  their  nature. 

IN  THE  WORLD  OF  THINGS 

Let  us  drift  for  a  time  in  the  world  of  THINGS, 
and  see  what  conclusions  we  can  come  to  concern- 
ing them.  First;  everything  has  a  spiritual 
worth,  if  we  but  recognized  the  true  value  of  it. 
To  RECOGNIZE  the  true  value  of  any  place  or 
thing  is  to,  in  a  measure  spiritualize  it.  To  give 
thanks  THROUGH  HIS  WORD  is  to  complete 
the  spiritualization,  for  it  is  sanctified  by  the 
WORD  OF  GOD  AND  PRAISE.  ^^  Every  crea- 
ture of  God  is  good,  and  nothing  to  be  refused, 
if  it  is  received  with  thanksgiving  and  praise.'* 
The  heart  singeth  in  accord,  hence  the  HARMONY 
OF  PURPOSE  IS  SANCTIFIED.  The  sub- 
stance of  the  Lord  is  given  in  HIS  WORD — 

^^I  AM  THE  BREAD  OF  LIFE.'' 

The  value  of  the  sacrament  is  intensified  when 
man  REALIZES  the  full  significance  of  the 
POWER  OF  SPIRIT  to  PENETRATE  sub- 
stance, place  or  thing. 

Mr.  Morton's  commission  took  him  and  his 
beautiful  young  wife  to  the  wilds  of  South  Amer- 
ica. After  sojourning  there  for  a  period  of  three 
and  one-half  years  a  little  daughter  was  born  to 
them.  The  wife  soon  succumbed  to  the  ravages 
of  fever.    Mr.  Morton  put  the  babe  in  the  hands 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  55 

of  a  good  old  Christian  soul  whom  they  called 
Granny.  Old  Granny  infused  in  the  child  a  won- 
derful love  and  understanding  of  God,  and  the 
things  of  God. 

When  Bertha  became  of  age  Mr.  Morton  was 
suddenly  called  to  New  York.  The  child  woman 
begged  to  accompany  him.  Mr.  Morton  hesitated ; 
he  would  be  compelled  to  return  to  the  wilds  as 
soon  as  he  could  hasten  the  business  on  hand. 
What  would  be  the  outcome?  Would  his  beau- 
tiful daughter  want  to  remain  in  the  great  city  of 
which  she  knew  nothing?  Or,  would  she  keep 
her  sweet  flower-like  womanhood  to  grace  his 
home?  He  wanted  her  to  marry  by  and  by;  but 
were  not  those  who  were  in  the  world  working 
for  him  far  more  suitable  than  the  city  chaps  of 
whom  Bertha  knew  nothing? 

Bertha  did  not  take  happily  to  the  great  city. 
It  was  wild,  she  said,  far  more  so  than  the  nature 
wilds  she  had  just  left.  People  did  not  seem  to 
live,  they  hurried  so;  every  one  seemed  to  try  to 
get  ahead  of  the  other. 

One  beautiful  morning  she  stepped  to  the  win- 
dows in  the  great  dining  room  of  the  hotel  in 
which  they  were  stopping.  It  was  with  great 
pleasure  she  turned  to  her  father  standing  by  her 
side  and  said:  **I  want  to  go  there,  father, 
where  the  great  tower  bears  the  cross.**  The 
father  begged  to  be  excused,  he  had  so  much  to 
do;  but  stepping  aside  he  spoke  to  a  lady  who 
seemed  to  be  much  interested  in  Bertha. 

**Will  you  kindly  take  Bertha  to  the  church 
over  there,  Madam?*' 


56  FACE   TO   FACE 

**I  will,  and  gladly/' 

Never  before  had  Bertha  been  inside  a  church. 
The  altar  she  had  known  had  been  the  soul  of 
nature ;  the  tapers  the  stars ;  the  song  of  the  birds 
the  mass;  the  chanting  of  her  own  pure  little 
soul  the  vespers;  yet,  she  had  said:  **I  WILL 
KNOW  HIM  WHEN  I  SEE  HIM;  did  not 
Granny  say  I  would  T' 

The  sun  that  she  had  known  in  the  wilds 
streamed  through  the  windows  of  the  church.  A 
crimson  stream  flowed  from  the  side  of  Him  who 
was  so  wonderfully  pictured  there.  Clasping  her 
hands  in  ecstasy  she  cried  aloud:  '*WHY,  GOD 
IS  NATUEAL!  it  is  NATURE  TO  SUFFER 
FOR  THOSE  WE  LOVE.''  The  goblet  was 
pressed  gently  to  her  lips;  for  the  first  time  she 
drank.  **I  have  seen  HIS  IMAGE;  I  have  par- 
taken of  HIS  SPIRIT ;  and  now  I  want  to  go  back 
to  my  nature's  home  and  take  what  I  have  found 
with  me,  that  its  memory  may  not  be  contam- 
inated by  material  thought." 

No  one  told  her  it  was  not  customary  to  speak 
aloud  while  in  church.  A  chord  in  nature  had 
been  struck  in  which  vibrated  the  real,  the  true, 
the  pure.  Those  who  saw  seemed  to  know  and 
feel  something  they  did  not  want  to  change.  As 
the  little  form  found  its  way  down  the  aisle,  the 
Priest  raised  his  hands  in  blessing  upon  the  pure 
little  soul  who  had  drifted  their  way  from  the 
wilds. 

A  few  days  later  the  train  steamed  away  bear- 
ing father  and  daughter.  A  strong  young  fellow 
stood   watching   longingly   after.     '^I,   too,"   he 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  57 

murmured,  '^will  go  to  the  wilds  that  she  may- 
find  the  God  for  me  whom  I  have  never  found, 
not  even  here  where  HE  is  pictured  everywhere. 
No,  I  have  not  been  seeking  Him  naturally.  I 
have  not  loved,  because  I  did  not  know. ' ' 

The  little  flower  of  the  wilds  was  growing,  and 
content  TO  GROW,  as  do  the  lilies  of  the  field. 
So,  quickly,  do  the  sweet  and  pure  find  response 
in  the  INFINITE  BEING  who  gave  them  birth. 

A  few  years  later  there  came  to  the  great 
wilderness  a  Sister  of  Mercy  who  beheld  the 
home  of  three.  A  little  flower-like  woman  quiv- 
ered between  life  and  death,  as  her  husband  hov- 
ered over  her  waiting  the  coming  of  the  fourth. 
Unquestioningly  the  Sister  took  charge. 

The  father  with  tear-stained  eyes  said:  ** Sis- 
ter, why  here  ?  we  are  not  Catholics. '  * 

**Ye  are  of  God's  little  children,'*  said  the  Sis- 
ter sweetly.    ^^HE  HATH  SENT  ME.'' 

The  next  morning  a  beautiful  babe  lay  in  the 
mother's  arms.  Heaven  had  blessed;  love  had 
sanctified;  in  that  far-off  wild  there  smiled  a 
little  child. 

Birth  is  phenomenal  in  theory;  in  fact  it  is  the 
natural  play  of  nature  asserting  itself  in  the 
highest  manifestation  of  truth.  Death  is  no  more 
wonderful  than  birth;  it  is  the  fullness  thereof, 
the  expression  of  the  highest  intelligence  (spirit) 
coming  into  its  own.  As  we  call  to  mind  these 
two  great  events  in  the  life  of  each  of  us,  we 
secretly  give  thanks  for  the  great  steeples  of 
memory,  from  whose  beams  ring  out  the  old  and 
ring  in  the  new. 


58  FACE   TO   FACE 

It  matters  but  little  to  the  sincere  what  others 
are  thinking;  it  is  what  WE  AEE  DOING  that 
counts.  Yea,  the  church,  to  some,  is  a  thing  apart, 
the  sacrament  forgotten. 

**No  greater  gift  hath  any  man  than  he  lay 
down  his  life  for  a  friend.''  Hadst  thought  of 
this  in  connection  with  those  who  have  left  this 
world  of  material  things  and  gone  to  work  in  the 
field  of  Holy  labor?  Ought  we  not  bless  the  day 
they  come  our  way? 

Why  do  we  look  for  error?  Why  not  look  at 
the  great  sacrifice?  What  if  they  do  make  a  mis- 
take now  and  then?  Can  we  look  in  the  face  of 
all  and  say  WE  are  free  from  error? 

It  IS  a  sacrifice  to  go  into  the  field  of  labor; 
a  sacrifice  on  the  altar  of  worldly  criticism;  a 
sacrifice  of  nearly  all  that  man  holds  dear  upon 
this  mundane  plane;  and  for  WHAT?  To  save 
you  FEOM  yourself.  The  selfishness  of  worldly 
criticism  is  deplorable.  The  world  expects  the 
BEST  from  those  whom  they  criticise  without 
a  hearing.  They  say,  it  is  human  nature  to  find 
fault.  If  it  is,  it  is  a  part  of  human  nature  man- 
kind could  well  do  without. 

^*Then  Jesus  answering  said  unto  them:  '^Go 
your  way  and  tell  John  what  things  ye  have  seen 
and  heard ;  how  that  the  blind  see,  the  lame  walk, 
the  lepers  are  cleansed,  the  deaf  hear,  the  dead 
are  raised,  to  the  poor  the  gospel  is  preached. ' ' 

Out  of  fifty  I  have  asked  why  they  chose  their 
vocation,  the  answer  has  been  practically  the 
same — **  Because  we  owe  it  to  God  and  man,  to 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  SSl 

ourselves  and  our  families.  We  would  not  go 
from  the  field  of  labor  in  His  vineyard  for  all 
the  worldly  pleasures  you  could  offer  us. ' ' 

**Have  you  then  no  regrets  f  I  asked. 

The  answer  of  one  I  will  give  you;  the  one 
sounds  the  chord  of  all. 

**I  was  sitting  in  the  study  not  long  ago.  The 
secretary  of  the  church  came  in  saying:  ^Pastor, 
we  have  not  one  penny  to  our  credit.'  He  said: 
*We  have  God,  He  is  worth  more  than  a  penny. 
To  him  that  hath,  more  shall  be  given.  GOD 
SAID  SO.  Let  us  try  an  extra  night  of  labor 
and  see  what  that  will  do!'  " 

This  great  soul  stood  by  the  telephone  for  an 
hour,  coming  in  contact  with  the  talented  ones  of 
his  congregation.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  had 
the  promise  of  much  talent.  On  the  following 
Wednesday  evening  there  was  an  entertainment 
given  that  put  hundreds  of  pennies  to  the  credit 
of  the  church.  This  great  soul  did  not  stop  there ; 
he  said:  ^^We  have  received,  PRAISE  THE 
LORD,"  and  he  kept  on  giving  entertainments 
that  became  so  famous  the  people  did  not  want 
to  give  them  up.  They  did  not  give  them  up,  they 
are  going  on,  and  with  them  a  greater  UNDER- 
STANDING OF  SPIRITUAL  TRUTH. 

There  is  a  peculiar  trait  in  mankind;  their  in- 
terest and  attention  must  be  called  forth  and 
centered  on  a  given  thing,  before  they  absorb  the 
essence  of  the  whole. 

Man  wants  to  be  entertained.  He  is  GOING  to 
be  entertained  somehow,  and  it  is  a  great  science 


60  FACE    TO   FACE 

to  know  how  to  infuse  ENOUGH  truth  into  the 
entertainment  to  QUICKEN  spiritual  growth; 
for 

^^IF  YE  DO  THINGS,  YE  SHALL 
NEVEEFAIL/' 

This  is  not  to  find  fault,  or  half  do.  It  means 
DO — a  powerful  little  word  in  the  world  of 
things,  that  will  cause  phenomenal  results,  in- 
telligent results. 

Then  there  is  the  body,  the  vase  that  holds  the 
flower  of  the  soul.  How  about  it!  We  buy  im- 
ported vases  to  fit  in  some  niche  in  our  home  that 
especially  requires  harmony  and  beauty  of  ex- 
pression; and  we  buy  just  useful  vases,  plain  in 
design,  yet  harmonizing  with  the  purpose  for 
which  they  were  intended.  And  then,  there  are 
those  ugly  vases  chance  gave  us  which  attract 
attention  by  the  inharmonious  blending  of  colors. 
Which  vase  holds  the  flower  of  YOUR  SOUL? 
Can  any  vase  be  too  beautiful  to  hold  the  flower 
of  the  soul  being  GLORIFIED  BY  HIS  PRES- 
ENCE? Should  we  not  give  the  vase  SPECIAL 
SPIRITUAL  CARE?  And  that  does  NOT  RE- 
FER TO  VANITY,  but  purification,  illumination, 
harmony. 

What  sort  of  a  HOME  are  we  going  to  place 
THAT  VASE  IN?  HOME!  WHAT  A  WIDE 
BERTH  for  spiritual  manifestation!  This  IS 
GOD'S  HOUSE,  expressing  the  perfection  of  in- 
terior wisdom,  love,  Divine  principle,  a  sanctuary 
in  which  His  PRESENCE  would  find  solace  in 
the  KNOWLEDGE  that  His  truths  were  mani- 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  61 

fested  in  that  home;  that  His  presence  was 
KNOWN  and  felt. 

**Be  ye  not  slothful  in  business:''  and  so  on 
down  the  list  of  innumerable  things.  However, 
the  theme  is  this :  In  the  true  sense  of  SPIRIT- 
UAL QUALITY  the  glorified  spirit  of  man  is  out 
of  harmony  with  the  ordinary;  the  ordinary  is 
lost  when  we  seek  the  spiritual  quality  in  it.  The 
principle  of  being  is  an  ever  ready  help  in  time 
of  material  chaos.  The  I  AM  will,  with  its  power 
to  RISE  SUPREME  TO  MEET  SUPREME, 
obliterate  the  ordinary,  bringing  to  the  surface 
the  ILLUMINED  PRESENCE  OF  GOD,  with 
whom  there  are  no  diversity  of  ways.  When  we 
fully  understand  this  guiding  principle,  we  do  not 
see  things  in  the  ordinary  light  of  material  vis- 
ion; the  spiritual  eye  discerns  the  guiding  prin- 
ciple that  has  made  everything  possible,  inas- 
much as  it  has  been  spiritualized  through  the 
spiritual  vision  to  a  higher  plane ;  hence,  we  have 
the  common  phrase — EVOLUTION — ^which  en- 
folds the  power  of  THINGS  as  well  as  spirit  in 
man. 

Everything  has  its  ethereal  correspondent,  the 
mineral,  the  animal  and  the  vegetable  kingdom; 
these  are  in  themselves  revelations.  It  is  a  glori- 
fied thought  that  brings  to  our  realization  that 
somewhere  this  thing  (table,  chair,  etc.)  first 
found  its  being  in  the  Garden  of  God ;  that  it  was 
first  given  to  us  in  the  spirit  of  truth,  its  value 
recognized  by  man,  and  passed  on.  Spiritualized, 
first  by  the  truth  in  it,  then  by  labor,  appreciation 
and  intelligence. 


62  FACE    TO   FACE 

Thus  the  seeming  phenomenal  birth  of  fruit- 
age, vegetation,  etc.,  are  channels  through  which 
God  sends  His  word  to  man  with  profits.  Again, 
we  have  the  co-mingling  of  the  Divine  and  ma- 
terial. So  must  we  learn  to  use,  and  not  abuse, 
these  things  which  have  come  to  make  their  home 
with  us ;  these  final  triumphs  of  God  and  man. 

This  chair  has  become  a  very  happy  expression 
in  my  life,  so  many  have  blessed  it.  It  is  but  a 
chair,  a  thing,  yet  it  came  from  the  Garden  of 
God,  worked  into  expressive  principle  by  man, 
and  has  power  to  give  rest  to  the  weary,  for  such 
is  the  gift  of  the  spirit.  Spirit  is  the  beginning 
and  the  fullness  thereof.  THE  SPIRIT  OF 
GOD  moved  upon  the  face  of  the  waters  BE- 
FORE the  world  was  created;  Spirit  is  LIFE, 
ETERNAL  LIFE. 

Blessed  things,  whatever  you  be. 
Through  triumph  you  have  come  to  me! 

And  yet,  things  should  not  be  the  theme  in 
life,  but  respected  in  the  true  sense  of  spiritual 
quality.  More  good  can  come  to  us  when  we 
SEEK  the  truth  in  things.  When  we  KNOW  the 
truth  we  can  accept  them  in  positive  content- 
ment. Everything  has  a  beautiful  side,  a  use- 
ful side,  or  a  side  that  can  be  purified.  To  purify, 
enliven  and  quicken  person,  place  or  thing,  is  to 
demonstrate  the  truth  for  it,  thus  expressing  our 
own  spiritual  quality  of  faith  in  works,  or  the 
exercise  of  truth  that  dwelleth  within.  Not  tak- 
ing the  form  of  worship,  rather  the  form  of 
thought  in  pure  conscience. 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  63 

Man  kills  his  development  by  the  attitude  he 
WILLS  towards  things.  He  cannot  sit  down  in 
the  gutter  and  develop,  but  if  he  will  SEE  HIS 
ABILITY  to  rise,  and  WILL  himself  to  do  it, 
he  will  soon  see  the  beauty  and  pleasure  it  brings 
as  well  as  advantages. 

**The  continual  whine  of  a  dog  brings  evil,''  so 
they  say.  Yet  it  is  not  a  comparison  to  the 
whine  that  springs  from  the  soul  filled  with  dis- 
content. It  broods  evil,  yea,  not  for  the  one,  but 
for  many,  for  it  yieldeth  not  grain  or  gain,  but 
thorns  that  prod  the  flesh  and  pierce  the  veil  of 
things  debasing,  leading  down,  down;  the  sink- 
ing sands;  seeking,  ever  seeking,  never  finding, 
peace  and  happiness. 

The  sun  is  rising,  look!  Beyond  the  sand, 
someone  is  calling.  Who  is  it?  It  is  the  voice  of 
the  Heavenly  Father.  His  beautiful  hand  sweeps 
upward,  the  bow  of  His  promise  flashes  across 
the  sky;  the  debased  one  beholds  it  and  smiles; 
the  chain  of  woe  is  broken.  There  can  be  no 
misery  when  God  smiles  at  man,  and  man  smiles 
back  again,  for  something  is  born  in  the  con- 
science of  man;  BEHOLD!  It  is  His  likeness 
and  image  reaching  across  the  tide  that  calls  all 
men— home.  It  is  God's  call  TO  PERFECTION 
answered. 

While  we  are  roving  in  the  world  of  things,  I 
want  to  tell  you  of  a  little  experience  of  mine. 
Not  long  ago  it  was  my  province  to  stop  for  a 
time  in  the  home  of  Mr.  Heckel,  foreman  of  the 
Obediah  Silk  Factory.  Mr.  Heckel,  wife  and  two 
daughters  made  up  the  household.     The  house 


64  FACE    TO   FACE 

stood  in  the  center  of  a  beautiful  lawn;  the  ten- 
der care  of  trees  and  flowers  made  it  a  garden  of 
dreams.  I  could  not  help  but  wonder  why  there 
seemed  to  be  such  great  discontent. 

Involuntarily  I  looked  out  over  the  north  fence ; 
a  sign  in  red,  black  and  white  loomed  in  the  sun 
like  a  menace.  '^LOOK  OUT  FOR  THE  CARS; 
RAILROAD  CROSSING.''  I  smiled  as  I  wended 
my  way  back  to  the  house.  Can  THAT  BE 
THE  THING  that  Jiangs  like  a  shadow  over  this 
home? 

Promptly  at  six- thirty  a  gloom  would  fall  over 
the  household  like  a  phantom;  it  haunted  the 
very  recesses  of  the  two  souls  left  at  home.  The 
father  and  elder  daughter,  *  Lottie,  usually  re- 
turned from  their  duties  at  the  factory  about  this 
time.  Lottie  had  endowed  herself  with  an  ugly, 
sulky  temperament.  The  moment  a  whistle  would 
sound,  heralding  an  approaching  train,  she  would 
whine,  '^Oh,  it  is  just  dreadful;  it  is  a  shame  the 
way  some  people  will  insist  on  living  in  such  a 
place."  On  and  on  she  would  whine  until  the 
father  would  join  in:  ^^I  wish  I  could  sell,  but 
that  is  out  of  the  question ;  who  wants  to  buy  this 
house  anyway.  I  wish  I  had  never  set  eyes  on 
the  place." 

It  would  invariably  end  by  Lottie  putting  on 
her  hat  and  storming  out  of  the  house,  the  father 
following  closely,  while  the  other  two  were  left 
to  look  on,  the  dear  little  mother  biting  her  lip 
to  keep  back  the  tears. 

The  two  wanderers'  conversation  was  quite  dis- 
tinct to  those  left  in  the  shadows. 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  65 

*' Where  are  you  going  tonight,  Lottie?'* 

*^0h,  to  the  park,  I  suppose;  until  some  of  the 
girls  come  by,  then  we  will  probably  go  to  some 
show.    Where  are  you  going,  father  f 

**Me?  Oh,  I'm  going  to  Tom's  place;  where 
else  could  a  fellow  go  and  have  peace  from  these 
trains  ? ' ' 

This  was  indeed  laughable  to  those  left  in  the 
shadows,  as  Tom's  place  was  much  closer  to  the 
track  than  his  own  home.  We  could  hear  the  men 
laugh  as  Mr.  Heckel  stumbled  in  the  door  of 
Tom's  place:  ^'Hello,  Heckel,  fallin'  in  ag'in, 
I  see." 

Heckel  could  not  remember  the  little  step  by 
the  door  in  spite  of  his  daily  visits  to  Tom's.  He 
gathered  himself  together,  grumbling  at  Tom  for 
not  removing  it,  while  Lottie  wandered  to  the 
park.  It  was  damp  and  foggy,  it  depressed  her, 
she  decided  to  return  home.  This  was  not  a 
pleasant  thought  to  Lottie,  but  there  was  really 
nothing  else  to  do ;  not  any  of  the  girls  she  knew 
would  venture  out  in  this  fog.  Yes,  she  would  go 
home. 

With  an  angry  frown  Lottie  paused  in  the 
shadow  of  a  great  tree  that  stood  near  the  kitchen 
window.  She  did  dread  so  to  go  in,  yet  the  chill 
and  damp  were  penetrating  her  very  bones. 
Leaning  wearily  against  a  tree,  she  watched  her 
mother  and  Grace  perform  the  homely  but  neces- 
sary task  of  washing  the  dinner  dishes.  A  look 
of  concern  came  over  her  face  as  she  listened : 

**Well,  dear,  do  not  mind  Lottie's  whims,  she 
is  just  a  little  bit  restless;  her  work  is  trying, 


66  FACE    TO   FACE 

and  the  whistle  sounds  twice  as  loud  to  her.  We 
do  not  notice  it  so  much  because  we  do  not  get 
as  tired  as  Lottie  does,  and  THINGS  bother  her 
so/' 

Lottie  slipped  down  upon  the  soft  turf,  for- 
getting the  damp  and  fog,  listening,  it  seemed  for 
hours,  to  the  cheerful  chatter  of  her  mother  and 
Grace.  AND  THINGS  BOTHEEED  HER  SO! 
What  was  wrong  with  her?  What  was  wrong 
with  everybody?  Why  were  Grace  and  her 
mother  not  in  this  cheerful  frame  of  mind  when 
SHE  was  in  the  house? 

But  listen,  what  was  mother  saying: 

*^You  know,  Grace,  if  father  and  Lottie  would 
only  stay  at  home  in  the  evenings  for  a  while, 
we  could  soon  have  a  car  and  enjoy  our  evenings 
in  the  open  together.  It  is  hard,  I  know,  to  stay 
at  home  all  the  time.  I  have,  for  twenty-five 
years,  without  practically  any  recreation.  I  wish 
you  would  go  with  Lottie  sometimes,  Grace;  why 
don't  you?'' 

Grace  caught  her  mother  lovingly  in  her  arms. 
''Not  much,  Muzzie;  we  are  too  happy  here!" 

Lottie  laid  her  head  on  the  damp  grass,  her 
tears  mingling  with  the  dew.  A  car.  Mother 
had  been  a  shut-in  for  twenty-five  years !  Some- 
thing was  wrong,  WRONG,  and  SHE  was  mak- 
ing it  so. 

Lottie  was  a  wonder  in  the  world  of  the  Obe- 
diah  Silk  Factory;  far  more  active  and  brilliant 
was  she  than  her  sister  Grace;  and  yet,  what 
would  they  do  without  the  convenient,  quiet, 
home-loving  Grace? 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  67 

A  scream  from  her  mother's  lips  startled  Lot- 
tie to  her  feet.  The  mother  was  standing  in  the 
doorway  wringing  her  hands  and  crying  hyster- 
ically. By  her  side  was  Grace  screaming:  **0 
save  him,  SAVE  HIM!" 

To  take  in  a  situation  was  to  act  with  Lottie. 
The  light  from  a  sign-board  told  them  of  an 
approaching  train;  a  shrill  whistle  affirmed  it; 
on  the  track,  too  bewildered  to  move,  was  the 
father  and  husband.  Lottie  ran  to  him  hastily, 
pushing  him  to  safety. 

The  approaching  train  thundered  in  Lottie's 
ears.  Making  a  hasty  plunge  forward,  she  was 
horrified  to  find  her  shoe  was  caught.  It  was  too 
late,  the  train  thundered  by,  severing  the  little 
foot  from  the  body.  The  father,  horror  stricken 
and  fully  conscious  now,  gathered  her  tenderly  in 
his  arms,  the  tears  streaming  down  his  face. 

Months  went  by;  not  a  complaint  from  Lottie; 
not  a  night  out  for  father.  One  morning  Mr. 
Heckel  came  home  to  consult  Lottie  about  getting 
a  stenographer  in  her  place,  saying  the  new  one 
had  made  a  mess  of  it.  Lottie,  without  a  word, 
put  on  her  hat,  picked  up  her  crutches  and 
started  towards  the  door. 

**  Where  are  you  going,  Lottie  f  asked  Mrs 
Heckel. 

*^To  the  factory.  Mother.'' 

**I  know,  Lottie,  you  are  well  enough,  but  the 
crutches,  and  things,  bother  you  so. ' ' 

^*No,  not  now,  mother.  That  whistle  sounds 
good.  I  have  discovered  something.  Do  not 
allow  things  to  play  too  great  a  part  in  your  life 


68  FACE   TO   FACE 

as  THINGS  only,  or  they  will  maim  you  for  life. 
The  chance  of  getting  back  my  position  is  my 
opportunity;  I  shall  make  the  most  of  it.'* 

Mrs.  Heckel  looked  lovingly  after  the  little 
lame  retreating  figure,  then  turning  to  Grace, 
said:  **0h,  there  is  such  a  difference  between 
things  material  only  and  things  spiritualized  by 
EIGHT  THINKING.  THINGS  are  wonderful 
stumbling  blocks  when  we  permit  them  to  dom- 
inate our  better  self.  They  soon  lose  their  domi- 
nating power,  however,  when  we  recognize  the 
spiritual  truth  within  them.'' 

Things  are  strange,  weird,  seemly  or  unseemly; 
to  some,  natural  gifts  of  God  and  man  in  which 
we  take  a  reasonable  amount  of  gratification  or 
disgust,  as  we  sense  them ;  hence  it  is  imperative 
that  we  see  things  through  the  spiritual  eye,  that 
we  may  ennoble  our  environment.  We  do  not 
want  to  place  our  vase  in  a  frog  pond,  you  know. 

'^In  that  ye  also  walked  sometimes  WHEN  YE 
LIVED  IN  THEM,  but  now  ye  also  put  off  all 
these:  anger,  malice,  wrath,  blasphemy;  lie  not 
to  one  another,  seeing  that  ye  have  put  off  the 
old  man  and  his  deeds,  and  put  on  the  NEW 
MAN,  which  is  rendered  in  knowledge  after  the 
IMAGE  OF  HIM  WHO  CREATED  HIM.  But 
let  the  peace  of  God  rule  in  your  hearts  in  that 
which  ye  are  called  in  one  body.  Be  ye  thankful. 
Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly,  in  all 
wisdom  teaching  and  admonishing  one  another  in 
HYMNS  and  SPIRITUAL  SONGS,  singing  with 
grace  in  your  hearts  to  the  Lord."  ** Whatsoever 
ye  do,  do  ALL  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus." 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  69 

**  Rejoice  evermore.  Pray  WITHOUT  CEAS- 
ING; in  EVERYTHING  GIVE  THANKS. 
QUENCH  NOT  THE  SPIRIT.  Despise  not  pro- 
phet-saying,  prove  all  things,  hold  fast  that  which 
is  good,  abstain  from  appearance  of  evil,  and  the 
VERY  GOD  OF  PEACE  SANCTIFY  YOU 
WHOLLY.  And  I  pray  GOD  your  whole  spirit 
and  soul  and  body  be  preserved  HARMLESS 
unto  the  coming  of  OUR  LORD  JP^SUS 
CHRIST.'' 

^^But  of  the  TIME  and  the  SEASON  ye  have 
no  need  that  I  write  unto  you,  for  you  yourselves 
know  perfectly  the  DAY  of  the  Lord  cometh  as  a 
thief  in  the  night,  and  we  have  confidence  in  the 
Lord  TOUCHING  YOU;  that  ye  both  DO  and 
WILL  DO  the  things  which  we  command  you; 
and  the  Lord  direct  your  hearts  unto  the  love  of 
God,  and  unto  the  patient  waiting  for  Christ, 
looking  for  the  blessed  hope  and  glorious  appear- 
ing of  the  GREAT  GOD  AND  OUR  SAVIOUR, 
JESUS  CHRIST,  WHO  GAVE  HIMSELF  for 
us  that  He  might  redeem  us  from  ALL  iniquity 
and  purify  unto  Himself  a  peculiar  people,  zeal- 
ous of  good  works.'' 

**But  avoid  foolish  questions  and  contamina- 
tions; strivings  about  law,  for  they  are  unprofit- 
able and  vain."  '^And  we  have  seen  and  do 
testify  that  the  Father  sent  the  SON  TO  BE 
SAVIOUR  OF  THE  WORLD.  Whosoever  CON- 
FESSES THAT  JESUS  IS  THE  SON  OF  GOD 
DWELLETH  IN  HIM,  and  he  in  God." 

^'And  we  have  known  and  believed  the  love 
GOD  HATH  to  us."    '^GOD  IS  LOVE,  and  he 


70  FACE    TO   FACE 

that  dwelleth  in  LOVE  dwelleth  in  GOD  and  GOD 
in  him.  Herein  is  our  LOVE  MADE  PEEFECT : 
that  we  may  have  boldness  in  the  day  of  judg- 
ment, because  as  He,  so  are  WE,  IN  THIS 
WOKLD.'' 

*' There  is  no  fear  in  love,  but  perfect  love 
casteth  out  fear,  because  fear  hath  torment.  HE 
THAT  FEARETH  IS  NOT  MADE  PERFECT 
IN   LOVE.^' 

The  workings  of  truth  are  phenomenal  in 
nature,  and  yet  so  natural  that  phenomena  holds 
no  place  in  the  mind  of  one  who  works  miracles. 
^^IN  GOD  WE  TRUST,  ^'  the  HOPE  OF 
GLORY,  the  BUILDER  OF  SPIRITUAL 
THINGS.  Phenomena  is  the  demonstrating 
power  of  the  GODHEAD,  unto  our  knowledge  of 
HIS  miracles  unto  which  we  have  access  through 
OUR  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST. 

It  is  not  only  a  happy  STATE  OF  MIND  TO 
BE  IN  to  KNOW  the  phenomenal  nature  of 
things  through  His  love  and  truth,  but  it  adds 
materially  to  the  value  of  things,  eliminating  the 
coarser  hold  with  which  man  sometimes  grasps 
things. 

Things  are  dynamic  by  nature;  real  surprises 
await  us  at  times  in  them.  By  holding  truth  in 
the  sense  of  calm  judgment,  we  accomplish  mir- 
acles; we  illuminate  them  with  truth;  we  pre- 
serve them  without  chaotic  effect.  Never  was 
spirit  set  free  concerning  the  reason,  in  reason, 
of  phenomenal  power.  Active  in  things  like  a 
bird  set  free,  does  the  mind  grasp  the  cause;  the 
remedy  comes  spontaneously. 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  71 

The  Cross  of  Calvary  is  as  good  an  illustration 
as  one  could  wish,  demonstrating  things  spirit- 
ualized. The  world  needed  Christ  at  that  time; 
it  still  needs  Christ,  the  REDEEMEE  OF  MEN. 
What  profit  it  withal  if  we  have  not  opened  the 
door  to  spiritual  things,  when  the  Spirit  stands 
waiting  to  show  us  the  GLORY  WITHIN?  Why 
linger  around  the  melting  pot  of  worldly  theories 
when  truth  itself  is  the   SUBSTANCE  within? 

The  stirring  of  a  soul  proves  its  Maker.  When 
man  ceases  to  strive  with  carnal  things  then  will 
he  find  his  soul  filled  with  holy  light,  by  which 
he  may  see  the  true  worth  of  things  that  make 
up  the  Garden  of  God. 

INGERSOLL:  ''Payne  denied  the  inspiration 
of  the  scriptures.     That  was  his  crime." 

LOTUS :  ''All  the  scripture  IS  given  by  the  in- 
spiration of  God,  and  IS  profitable  for  doctrine, 
for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in 
righteousness,  that  the  man  of  God  may  be  PER- 
FECT, THOROUGHLY  FURNISHED  unto  all 
good  works,  in  meekness  instructing  those  who 
oppose  themselves.  If  God  pervert  we  will  give 
them  repentance  to  the  acknowledgment  of  the 
truth,  and  that  they  may  recover  themselves  out 
of  the  snare  of  the  devil,  who  are  taken  captive 
by  him  at  his  will."  The  works  of  God  are  all 
electro  evolution. 

INGERSOLL:  "What  person  with  common 
sense  would  attempt  to  settle  any  question  by  a 
text  from  the  Bible!" 

LOTUS:  Any  reasonable  person  would.  Are 
they  not  given  for  INSTRUCTION  in  RIGHT- 


72  FACE  TO  FACE 

EOUSNESS?  The  Bible  is  a  liberator  of  free- 
dom, of  true  spiritual  worth,  true  moral  worth, 
and  is  an  infallible  principle  by  which  we  may 
endorse  our  checks.  It  is  the  harp  upon  which 
the  touch  of  the  Infinite  harmonizes,  the  uni- 
versal chord  of  immortal  construction. 

When  people  oppose  us  they  are,  in  a  measure, 
our  enemies.  They  use  their  gas  tanks  to  deprive 
us  of  our  reason,  and  then  demand  an  illumined 
reply.  God^s  word  brought  to  bear  upon  them 
ejects  the  poisonous  vapor  and  infuses  the  great- 
est of  all  principles,  TRUTH,  upon  which  His 
word  is  built.  There  is  not  a  chord  struck  in  the 
human  heart  more  subtle,  more  comforting,  than 
Infinite  love.  The  Bible  teaches  it  from  cover  to 
cover.  The  Bible  teaches  truth;  it  teaches  Chris- 
tian Endeavor  that  has  no  selfish  principles,  no 
morbid  theories,  but  FACTS— just  plain  FACTS, 
the  very  thing  the  infidel  is  crying  for. 

Funny,  isn't  it,  that  the  infidel  stands  with  one 
foot  in  Heaven  and  the  other  in  Hell  and  cries, 
^^Who  am  I?  What  am  IT'  while  the  fires  of  hell 
consume  him?  Strong  language  you  say,  and  you 
do  not  believe  in  hell,  and  you  think  it  is  a  sin  to 
preach  hell. 

Man  carries  within  his  own  soul  the  fires  of 
hell  when  he  manifests  the  LESSEE  MAN.  The 
infidel  does  this  because  he  refuses  to  see  HIS 
LIKENESS  AND  IMAGE. 

Love  and  doubt  are  not  sisters  or  brothers; 
nay,  not  parent,  but  at  cross  purposes  one  with 
the  other.  Love  casteth  out  fear.  ^^GOD  IS 
LOVE.''    When  we  place  the  WORD  OF  GOD 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  73 

against  doubt,  we  destroy  the  power  of  doubt 
with  our  faith. 

*'Thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole." 

INGEESOLL:  ^^  Payne  contended  that  it  is 
contradiction  in  terms  to  call  anything  a  revela- 
tion that  comes  second  handed." 

LOTUS:  To  take  this  statement  literally,  our 
lives  are  pretty  generally  spent  under  the  juris- 
diction of  others,  hence,  second-handed  from  the 
beginning  unto  the  end.  We  live  by  the  in- 
struction and  training  of  others  until  we  are 
grown;  after  that,  we  are  more  or  less  controlled 
by  the  minds  of  those  higher  up ;  and  so  we  drift 
with  the  tide  until  our  individuality  is  lost,  or 
partially  so,  in  the  swirl  of  human  welfare. 

Our  chief  desire  in  life  is  to  become  indepen- 
dent; to  be  a  controlling  force,  in  place  of  being 
controlled;  but  the  way  out  is  not  an  easy  one. 
However,  when  we  are  sufficiently  enlightened 
to  reason  without  malice,  we  DO  become  a  con- 
trolling force  over  the  little  self,  and  assert  the 
God  man.  This  brings  us  into  our  own.  In 
place  of  a  lost  personality  we  have  a  strong  will, 
in  tune  with  the  best  and  highest,  which  demands 
the  best  in  return. 

We  are  then  sought,  and  not  seeking;  strong, 
and  not  weak ;  worthy,  and  not  unworthy  subjects 
of  the  Kingdom.  When  we  assert  our  true  self 
with  God  at  the  helm,  we  are  enabled  to  see  the 
light  of  individuality;  first,  the  individual  self 
that  governs  self  to  the  exclusion  of  all;  second, 
the  individual  SPIRIT  in  self  capable  of  meet- 
ing the   Divine,   in  which  inspiration  is   found. 


74  FACE  TO  FACE 

The  word  of  God  is  never  second-handed  to  those 
at-one  with  God. 

Though  we  find  truth  through  the  heart  of  the 
rose  it  is  sweet,  it  is  fragrant,  it  is  beautiful.  It 
has  a  power  all  its  own,  reminding  us  that  with 
the  sweet  we  must  take  the  bitter  that  ^^trieth 
the  heart,''  strengthening  it  in  righteousness, 
thereby  giving  sustenance. 

Love  is  supremely  Divine;  it  is  tempestuous 
argury;  it  is  beautiful,  and  it  sometimes  comes 
by  proxy,  because  man  is  attuned  to  meet  it  in  no 
other  way. 

Were  we  not  to  receive  ANYTHING  second- 
handed,  we  would  glean  but  few  of  the  comfort- 
ing messages  that  come  to  us  through  thousands 
of  channels.  We  would  be  sealed  in,  away  from 
all  but  the  little  self.  We  would  become  narrow, 
stale,  brushed  aside  as  the  falling  leaves  of 
Autumn. 

The  BIBLE  IS  THE  REDEEMING  FORCE 
that  sways  mankind  to  the  haven  of  rest.  God 
giveth  to  all  men  liberty,  and  truly  the  liberty 
to  think,  but  has  commanded  that  we  do  ALL 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  JESUS.  This  is  the  point 
upon  which  so  many  err — DO  ALL  IN  THE 
NAME  OF  JESUS— WHY  NOT?  HE  IS  THE 
RISEN  CHRIST,  THE  SUPREME  FORCE, 
SPIRIT.  It  is  going  to  the  FOUNTAIN- 
HEAD  FOR  OUR  SUPPLY.  Here  is  the  mean- 
ing fully  demonstrated:  '^Seek  ye  FIRST  the 
Kingdom  and  His  RIGHTEOUSNESS,  and  ALL 
ELSE  shall  be  added  unto  you."     Seeking  the 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  75 

Kingdom  FIEST  is  the  BECKONING  LIGHT 
OF  EEASON. 

The  infidel  is  not  in  tune  with  the  INFINITE, 
hence  he  strikes  a  false  note.  To  him  a  rose  is 
just  a  flower.  He  smiles  at  its  color  and  fra- 
grance, whips  up  his  horse  and  canters  on.  He 
does  not  see  the  sublime,  the  mother's  care  and 
pruning  that  it  may  give  pleasure  daily  to  her 
loved  ones.  He  does  not  see  the  blushing  bride 
within  its  curling  buds.  He  does  not  see  the 
soldiers'  graves  where  the  falling  petals  take 
the  place  of  the  gentle  touch  of  loved  ones  across 
the  sea.  He  does  not  see  the  light  upon  the  face 
of  the  dying;  nor  does  he  see  the  hand  of  God 
pointing  to  the  heart  of  gold  within  its  tiny  fra- 
grant folds.  The  Divine  to  him  is  lost,  hence  the 
substance  of  all.  It  is  but  a  crude  production  to 
his  sense  of  seeing. 

Infidelism  is  the  worm  in  the  heart  of  the 
rose.  It  shatters,  it  does  not  build;  it  takes  all 
the  beautiful,  not  to  profit  withal  but  to  debase ;  it 
leaves  the  bush  a  prey  for  the  wasp's  nest. 

Inspiration  and  revelation  come  FIRST- 
HANDED  to  those  who  are  ATTUNED  to  re- 
ceive them,  no  matter  how  many  channels  they 
have  passed  through.  Being  WILLING  to  re- 
ceive is  NOT  ENOUGH.  We  must  be  willing 
to  GO  THROUGH  THE  PURIFYING  process- 
that  of  being  BORN  AGAIN  IN  spiritual  truth; 
willing  to  enact  that  truth;  willing  to  TAKE  ON 
THE  NEW  MAN  and  leave  off  the  old  MAN 
and  his  deeds. 


76  FACE  TO  FACE 

REASONING  PRINCIPLES  CAN  BE  OBLITERATED 
THROUGH  DOUBT 

Inspiration  does  not  descend  upon  the  heads  of 
those  who  seek  to  SEVER  THE  TIE  THAT 
BINDS. 

IMBIBING  deep  of  His  love,  letting  it  reflect 
in  the  world  around  you,  is  one  of  the  FIRST 
PRINCIPLES,  a  GREAT  QUALITY,  IN  THE 
PURIFYING  PROCESS.  Where  DIVINE 
LOVE  dwelleth  THERE  is  inspiration,  TRUTH 
made  manifest  in  man.  As  a  mirror  reflects  the 
sunshine,  so  is  the  countenance  filled  with  Holy 
Light.  You  will  see  yourself  coming  around  the 
corner  of  life  like  a  whirlwind  of  material  things ; 
or,  you  will  drink  the  refreshing  life-giving  rain- 
drops of  spirituality ;  just  as  you  make  it. 

Second-hand  inspiration  is  a  peculiar  find.  It 
may  come  in  a  flood  of  light,  or  it  may  descend  as 
a  dove  on  the  shoulders  of  time.  The  question  is 
this:  Can  your  spiritual  CONDITION  TELL 
YOU  whether  the  TRUTH  rests  in  it  or  not,  in- 
different to  the  number  of  channels  it  has  to  pass 
through?  Can  you  find  a  responding  chord  with- 
in? A  chord  that  finds  its  correspondent  in  an 
Infinite  Being,  GOD,  the  Creator  of  man!  Can 
you  look  LONG  and  DEEP  in  the  well  of  truth 
and  find  your  reflection  there? 

God's  word  cannot  be  consumed  with  the  fires 
of  infidelism:  It  is  INDESTRUCTIBLE.  It 
has  a  POWER  that  refuses  to  weaken,  a  LIGHT 
that  will  never  burn  low.  Divine  Love  IS  the  in- 
exhaustible force  from  which  mankind  draws  sus- 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  77 

tenance.  It  is  LIFE  to  those  who  believe  in 
HIM.  Can  the  infidel  give  us  a  greater  assur- 
ance? 

This  assurance  comes  to  us  through  the  Scrip- 
tures (if  you  will)  but  I  like  the  word  BIBLE. 
It  sounds  so  secure,  so  personal,  so  assuring.  It 
is  NOT  some  remote  thing,  but  a  LIVING 
PRESENCE.  It  is  alluring,  SOUL  STIRRING. 
*^But,'^  says  the  infidel,  ^4t  is  so  contradictory.*' 
Nay,  methinks  not  so,  the  SUBSTANCE  remains 
the  same. 

No  two  people  ever  gave  an  account  of  an  in- 
cident in  the  same  exact  terms.  Send  six  men  to 
a  ball  game;  ask  them  ALL  about  it.  The  only 
account  they  will  give  you  in  the  same  terms,  is 
WHO  WON;  the  rest  will  be  original  narratives. 

^^But,''  the  infidel  cries,  ^Hhe  Bible  was  in- 
spired by  ONE  God,  hence  it  should  be  EXACT 
accounts. ' ' 

God  teaches  in  language,  expression  and 
themes,  that  may  be  best  understood  by  the  re- 
cipient individual,  or  individuals.  THE  POWER 
OF  THE  INNER  MAN,  the  capabilities  of  EX- 
PRESSING the  inner  man,  is  not  always  attuned. 
A  GREAT  SOUL  may  lack  expression  of  that 
soul  in  AUDIBLE  or  written  terms,  and  yet  that 
great  souPs  power  be  felt. 

Water  does  not  always  cover  the  banks.  God 
is  consistent  in  all  His  ways ;  he  would  hardly  in- 
spire a  Hebrew  to  write  Indian ;  nor  would  he  ad- 
vise a  Chinaman  to  build  a  tepee.  He  would  tell 
him   in   a   language   that   he   could   understand, 


78  FACE  TO  FACE 

though  the  substance  be  the  same.  **God  works 
in  wondrous  ways  His  miracles  to  perform, ' '  and 
His  ways  are  the  ways  of  wisdom. 

When  man  more  fully  realizes  that  GOD  IS 
FULL  OF  UNDERSTANDING,  His  work  com- 
ing to  us  through  His  transmitter  (the  Bible),  we 
will  have  ADDED  COURAGE  and  inspiration,  a 
more  ABUNDANT  FAITH,  and  the  SUPPLY  of 
love  that  mankind  is  NOW  seeking.  He  will  see 
ILLUMINATED  WORDS  of  God;  not  some  re- 
mote, so-called  revengeful  God,  but  a  GOD  FULL 
OF  LOVE  and  understanding.  It  is  man  that 
errs  and  not  God,  not  the  inspiration  of  the 
Bible. 

We  do  not  teach  the  child  in  the  crib  arith- 
metic. It  is  not  as  yet  capable  of  reasoning;  it 
has  not  the  physical  strength  to  hold  slate  and 
pencil.  We  teach  the  child  love  by  EXPRESS- 
ING love.  The  child  does  not  understand  the 
word  love,  but  it  responds  quickly  to  the  act  of 
love.  So  God  infuses  the  substance  of  His  word 
into  the  fertile  brain  of  those  whom  He  has  en- 
dowed to  receive  it.  God  reaches  ALL  man- 
kind. 

It  has  often  been  said  that  no  two  people 
can  get  the  same  meaning  out  of  a  passage  in 
the  Bible.  And  this  I  doubt;  not  because  it  seems 
unreasonable,  but  because  man  is  not  so  dense 
that  he  does  not  KNOW  SOME  of  the  TRUTH 
when  he  finds  it.  In  truth  is  God.  When  God  is 
found,  understanding  is  complete.  Understand- 
ing has  but  one  meaning— AT-ONE-MENT.  This 
cannot  be  of  many  hues,  but  the  one  great  sun  of 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  79 

light.  We  have  day  and  we  have  night.  These 
two  blend  into  one  another  in  perfect  harmony, 
as  the  soul  attuned  to  the  Infinite  blends  into 
ONE— PERFECT— WHOLE'.  The  Divine  sub- 
stance of  His  presence  is  everywhere. 

If  those  striving  on  this  earth  for  a  new  truth 
would  only  open  the  doors  of  their  souls  to  the 
Divine  inflow,  truth — both  old  and  new — would 
bring  to  the  lives  and  hearts  of  man  liberty;  to 
the  world,  PEACE.  If  we  walk  in  the  spirit  of 
truth,  let  us  also  live  in  the  spirit  of  love.  Wis- 
dom is  the  undertone  of  spirit,  manifesting  spirit 
in  truth. 

What  is  it  then,  ''1  will  PRAY  WITH  THE 
SPIRIT,  and  I  will  PRAY  WITH  THE  UNDER- 
STANDING ALSO,  when  the  unlearned  say 
^Amen'  at  the  giving  of  thanks,  seeing  that  they 
understand  not  what  thou  sayest.  It  is  written 
the  first  man  Adam  was  made  a  living  soul. 
The  last  Adam  was  made  a  quickening  spirit. 
How  be  it  that  was  not  first  which  is  spiritual 
but  that  which  is  natural,  and  afterward  that 
which  is  spiritual!'* 

First:  Natural — the  wisdom  found  in  nature; 
then  spiritual — ^wisdom  causing  the  spiritual  to 
be  glorified.  Spirit  is  natural  first,  then  spiritual- 
ized, thus  becoming  a  TUNEFUL  MELODY  in 
DIVINE  HARMONY,  EMBRACING  ALL 
LAWS  OF  GOD  AND  NATURE;  THE  NAT- 
URAL GOAL  OF  MAN;  THE  SUPREMACY 
FOUND  IN  ATTUNED  SPIRIT;  THE  COM- 
PLETENESS, THE  FULLNESS  OF  HEAVEN. 

**  Beloved,  think  it  NOT  STRANGE  concerning 


80  FACE  TO  FACE 

the  FIEEY  TRIAL  which  is  to  try  you,  as  though 
some  strange  thing  happened  you." 

All  phenomena  comes  from  intelligence, 
whether  the  object  causing  the  phenomena  is 
CONSCIOUS  of  it  or  not.  In  all  things  is  the 
breath  (spirit)  of  God,  the  wonderful  life  ex- 
pressed in  all  things,  and  yet,  natural.  Phenom- 
ena is  but  the  RESULT  OF  NATURAL  FOR- 
CES that  man  has  not  attuned  himself  to  see  as 
natural. 

^'He  that  abideth  in  the  secret  places  of  the 
most  High  shall  abide  under  the  shadow  of  the 
ALMIGHTY." 

"I  will  say  of  the  Lord  He  is  my  refuge  and 
my  strength;  IN  HIM  WILL  I  TRUST." 

^'KEEP  FAITH  WITH  WORKS  THAT  YE 
MAY  REPLENISH  MANKIND  WITH  SPIR- 
ITUAL TRUTHS." 

'^How  beautiful  are  the  feet  of  them  that 
preach  the  gospel  of  peace  and  bring  forth  glad 
tiding  of  good  things." 

INGERSOLL:  ''Payne  denied  conclusively 
the  DIVINE  ORIGIN  OF  CHRIST,  and  yet  he 
belieyed  that  Christ  was  a  virtuous  and  amiable 
man,  that  the  morality  He  taught  and  practiced 
was  the  most  benevolent,  and  that  He  had  not 
been  exceeded  by  any." 

LOTUS:  Payne,  like  many  another,  is  willing 
to  take  his  fill  of  the  half  loaf  and  when  his 
appetite  is  appeased  throw  away  the  other  half, 
leaving  nothing  for  the  morrow.  When  the  com- 
ing day  dawns,  there  is  a  gnawing  hunger  for  the 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  81 

half  loaf  he  threw  away.    A  partial  truth  is  NO 
TRUTH  AT  ALL. 

The  DIVINE  ORIGIN  OF  CHRIST  WAS  A 
REVELATION,  an  inspiration.  It  demonstrated 
fully  THE  POWER  OF  SPIRIT  OVER  MAT- 
TER. 

Again  and  again,  if  I  might,  I  would  repeat, 
GOD  IS  A  SUPREME  FORCE,  PERSONAL 
by  nature,  DIVINE  in  character,  a  DIVINE 
WHOLE  that  embodies  spirit.  **GOD  IS  A 
SPIRIT^'  that  took  on  the  form  of  man  to  en- 
noble and  save  mankind.  HE  IS  THE  RISEN 
CHRIST!  He  came  from  a  DIVINE  PRIN- 
CIPLE through  which  mankind  evolutionizes 
from  sphere  to  sphere. 

INGERSOLL:  ^^The  Christians  now  claim 
that  JESUS  WAS  GOD.  If  he  was,  of  course 
the  devil  knew  that  fact,  and  yet  according  to  the 
account,  the  devil  took  the  omnipotent  God  and 
placed  Him  upon  the  pinnacle  of  a  temple  and 
tried  to  induce  Him  to  dash  Himself  against  the 
earth.  Failing  this  he  took  the  Creator,  owner 
and  governor  of  the  world  and  placed  Him  upon 
an  exceedingly  high  mountain  and  offered  Him 
this  earth,  this  grain  of  sand,  if  he  would  fall 
down  and  worship  Him.  Poor  devil,  without 
even  a  tax  title  to  one  foot  of  earth!  Is  it  pos- 
sible the  devil  was  such  an  idiot?" 

LOTUS:  It  takes  no  great  master  mind,  no 
great  theologian,  to  answer  IngersoU  this.  Again 
does  he  look  only  in  a  material  sense.  Like 
magic  the  answer  springs  from  First  Timothy: 


S25  FACE  TO  FACEl 

^^Not  because  we  have  not  the  power,  but  to  make 
ourselves  an  EXAMPLE  unto  YOU  to  follow.'' 
God  permitted  the  devil  to  take  Him  up  in  the 
mountain  that  we  might  see  the  TRUTH  IN 
HIM;  by  so  doing,  he  made  an  example  before 
the  world  that  we  might  follow — that  of  over- 
coming evil  with  good — hence,  ^'Get  thee  behind 
me,  Satan.'' 

Children  are  best  taught  by  example,  for  *^Are 
ye  not  children  of  your  Father  which  is  in 
Heaven?"  Jesus  did  not  antagonize  evil.  HIS 
WEAPON  WAS  LOVE;  LOVE  OVERCOMETH 
THE  WORLD. 

The  devil  did  not  take  Jesus  up  on  the  high 
mountain  in  truth.  He  sought  weakness,  and 
found  to  his  astonishment  the  POWERFUL  EX- 
AMPLE of  the  ALMIGHTY  GOD.  The  devil 
pitted  his  conceit  against  the  truth.  THE  KING- 
DOM WAS  SOUGHT  FOR  US  when  God  per- 
mitted himself  to  be  led  up  on  the  mountain. 
What  are  WE  GOING  TO  DO  TO  OBTAIN  IT? 

^^And  the  light  shineth  in  darkness,  and  the 
darkness  comprehended  it  not." 

^^Let  us  keep  the  feast,  not  with  old  leaven, 
neither  with  leaven  of  malice  and  wickedness,  but 
with  the  unleavened  bread  of  sincerity  and 
truth." 

^'But  have  removed  the  hidden  things  of  dis- 
honesty, not  walking  in  craftiness,  nor  handling 
the  word  of  God  deceitfully,  but  by  MANIFES- 
TATION of  the  truth,  commending  ourselves  to 
EVERY  MAN'S  CONSCIENCE  IN  THE  SPIR- 
IT OF  GOD." 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  83 

**And  they  bend  their  tongues  like  the  bows 
for  lay,  for  they  are  not  VALIANT  FOR  THE 
TRUTH  UPON  THE  EARTH,  for  they  proceed 
from  EVIL  TO  EVIL,  for  they  know  NOT  ME, 
SAITH  THE  LORD,  WHO  WOULD  HAVE 
ALL  MEN  TO  BE  SAVED,  and  to  come  into 
the  KNOWLEDGE  OF  THE  TRUTH/ ^ 

TRUTH  is  the  Whippoorwill  that  sings  spring 
into  the  hearts  of  men. 

A  WEE  PARABLE  AND  A  GREAT  TRUTH 

A  little  child  wandered  over  the  grounds  sur- 
rounding a  country  mansion.  Growing  very 
weary,  she  lay  down  near  the  dog  kennel;  laying 
her  head  lovingly  on  old  Towser's  back,  she  soon 
fell  soundly  asleep.  Her  little  brother  Norman 
hunted  long  for  her.  Failing  to  find  her,  he  sat 
down  under  a  tree  trying  to  think  where  she 
might  be.  ^* Whippoorwill,  Whippoorwill,''  came 
lustily  from  somewhere  near  by.  Norman  sprang 
to  his  feet,  running  to  the  house  as  fast  as  his 
little  fat  body  would  carry  him. 

^^ Mother,  Oh,  mother!  Bessie  must  be  some 
place  she  ought  not  to  be,  'cause  somepin  in  the 
air  told  me  to  Whip-her-well ! " 

The  mother  tried  to  explain.  It  was  lost  on 
Norman,  however,  for  he  ran  excitedly  from  the 
house,  bumping  right  into  his  Uncle  Will. 

**Have  you  seen  Bessie?"  was  Norman's  ex- 
cited greeting. 

^*Well,  no,  why?" 

**Well,  she  is  some  place  she  ought  not  to  be, 
'cause  somepin  told  me." 


84  FACE  TO  FACE 

Uncle  Will  asked  him  to  tell  him  quietly  what 
had  told  him.  Norman  was  almost  too  excited 
to  talk,  but  finally  said: 

**0h,  somepin  said,  *  Whip-her-well. '  " 
Uncle   Will   laughed   heartily,   much   to   Nor- 
man's disgust,  and  then  asked  Norman  if  he  had 
ever  seen  the  WhippoorwilPs  sister,  the  Chuck- 
wills-widow,  and  their  cousin,  the  Night-Gar? 

*  *  Oh,  oh, ' '  said  Norman,  *  *  are  there  more  than 
one  of  these  things  f 

He  hurried  away,  calling  back  over  his  shoul- 
der: **If  there  are  so  many  of  those  things  I  had 
better  go  get  her  quick/' 

He  did  not  go  far  until  he  stopped  short,  for 
there  was  Bessie  peacefully  sleeping  on  old 
Towser's  back.  He  tugged  at  her  dress  until  she 
awoke,  then  he  took  her  to  the  house  shouting : 

**  Mother,  0  moth-er,  that  fellow  up  in  the  tree 
DID  tell  me  the  truth.  Sister  was  some  place 
she  ought  not  to  be.  She  was  a-takin'  a  nap  on 
old  Towser's  back." 

But  mother  said,  ^^You  know,  Norman,  that 
Towser  would  not  hurt  my  little  one.'' 

*  ^  I  know,  mother,  but  it  was  such  a  funny  place 
for  her  to  go  to  sleep." 

*^That  is  not  an  unnatural  thing  for  her  to 
do,  dear.  The  innocent  see  only  the  faithful  dog; 
not  the  barking,  biting  dog." 

After  a  while  the  puzzled  little  Norman  went 
back  to  the  tree  and  fell  upon  the  grass,  his  little 
arms  folded  under  his  head.  He  wanted  to  think 
it  all  out.  Tired  of  thinking  he  was  soon  in 
dreamland.    Three  little  birds  with  high  silk  hats 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  85 

on  and  carrying  canes  under  their  wings,  came 
close  to  the  slumbering  Norman  and  doffed  their 
hats  to  him. 

**How  do  you  do,  little  boy.  We  come  here 
every  day  to  see  you,  but  you  do  not  see  us  be- 
cause you  are  too  busy  playing  to  notice  us.  We 
will  not  blame  you  one  bit  for  your  discourtesy, 
though.  This,  if  you  please,  is  Mr.  Whippoor- 
will;  this  is  Mrs.  Night-Gar;  and  this  is  my  cou- 
sin; Miss  Chuckwills-widow.  *  * 

^'Can  I  do  anything  for  youT^  said  Miss 
Chuckwills -widow. 

**I  don't  know,  maybe,''  said  Norman.  **Why 
did  my  little  sister  go  to  sleep  on  old  Towser's 
back?" 

The  birdies  whispered  together  a  moment  and 
then  chanted: 

** Little  Norman,,  do  not  fear; 

It  kills  the  truth  in  love,  my  dear." 

Who  does  not  love  the  simple  stories  of  child- 
hood? There  is  no  greater  song  sung  in  the 
heart  of  a  little  child  than  the  pure  trusting  con- 
fidence it  shows  towards  those  who  incite  its  in- 
terest, whatever  the  nature  of  that  interest  may 
be. 

We  smile  when  we  hear  a  child  expressing 
truth,  though  it  be  in  fiction ;  and  yet,  we  pass  by 
the  blush  of  the  rose,  which  is  expressing  truth 
as  earnestly  and  beautifully  as  the  child. 

Truth  is  ever  present.  We  have  not  as  yet 
learned  how  to  meet  it.  We  are  too  apt  to 
search  for  an  onion  in  the  orchid  bed.  One  of  the 


86  FACE  TO  FACE 

most  beautiful  realities  is  TRUTH  expressed  in 
LITTLE  THINGS,  whether  it  comes  in  parables 
or  whether  it  descends  as  the  peace  of  night  up- 
on our  heads.  It  is  there,  and  it  is  beautiful. 
No  work  of  art  can  compare  to  the  magnificent 
grandeur  of  a  life  lived  in  truth.  To  live  in  truth 
is  to  create  a  beautiful  ethereal  atmosphere 
around  us,  painting  pictures  of  which  mortal  man 
cannot  conceive. 

God  is  a  SUPREME  FORCE;  this  includes 
spirit;  spirit  is  TRUTH.  God  is  PERSONAL 
by  nature.  '^God  is  Love.''  God  is  life.  These 
have  substance.  Truth,  then,  is  LIFE;  more,  it 
is  EVERLASTING  LIFE,  when  expressed  in  the 
power  of  Divine  love. 

God  is  a  spirit.  Spirit  never  dies.  To  enact 
truth,  as  well  as  to  obtain  it,  should  be  our  great- 
est aim  in  life.  If  mankind  will  not  accept  aid 
from  on  high,  he  will  not  acknowledge  the  truth 
even  within  his  OWN  being.  God  trieth  the 
heart,  but  He  refineth  the  gold.  When  truth 
finds  its  proper  setting,  it  can  sparkle  away, 
KNOWING  it  IS  pure  gold;  and  others  will 
KNOW,  and  others  will  HEED,  and  others  will 
DO. 

^'Go  your  ways,  I  send  you  forth  as  lambs 
among  wolves.  Carry  neither  purse  or  scrip,  nor 
shoes,  and  salute  no  man  by  the  way.  And  into 
whatsoever  house  ye  enter  FIRST  SAY: 
*  PEACE  BE  UNTO  THIS  HOUSE,'  and  if  the 
Son  of  Peace  be  there,  your  peace  shall  rest 
upon  it;  if  NOT,  it  shall  return  to  YOU  AGAIN 
and  shall  HEAL  THE  SICK  and  thev  that  are 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  87 

therein,  and  say  unto  them  the  KINGDOM  OF 
GOD  HAS  COME  UNTO  YOU.'' 

Again  we  find  the  law  of  attraction.  As  we 
THINK,  SO  SHALL  IT  BE,  nnto  others  as  well 
as  self.  When  we  go  about  our  Father's  busi- 
ness our  own  power  is  quickened.  As  we  give, 
so  shall  we  receive.  O  man,  awake!  Why  sleep- 
est  thou  in  the  ignorance  of  thy  will  ? 

Again,  truth  is  a  great  convenience.  It  oblit- 
erates fear;  it  closes  the  door  to  chaos,  thus  en- 
abling us  to  feel  a  certain  amount  of  JOYFUL 
INDEPENDENCE.  It  is  inconvenient  NOT  to 
live  in  truth.  It  is  apt  to  bring  a  lot  of  pictures 
on  the  wall  we  had  rather  not  see.  One  little 
untruth  bites  the  heel  of  another  little  untruth 
until  a  long  chain  of  untruths  is  forged  into 
FACT,  hence  crimes  are  bred  in  very  little  cells. 

On  the  other  hand,  when  we  live  in  truth,  there 
is  the  spirit  of  rest  and  peace  singing  away  with- 
in our  soul;  a  JOY  we  would  not  TAKE 
WORLDS  FOR.  It  is  a  bit  of  the  Cross  mortal, 
man  carries,  OVERCOMING  THE  SPIRIT  OF 
TEMPTATION.  ^^HE  WHO  WILL  NOT  PICK 
UP  THE  CROSS  AND  FOLLOW  ME,  CAN- 
NOT BE  MY  DISCIPLE."  It  is  worth  trying 
for,  it  is  worth  WORKING  FOR,  PRAISE  BE! 

Truth  is  the  conveyance  that  carries  us  to  the 
heights,  unmindful  of  the  ruts  and  thorny  ways. 
It  is  a  safe  conveyance,  for  at  the  end  of  the 
journey  we  shall  find  spirit  IS  TRUTH,  and  we 
want  to  meet  it  fairly. 

Another  great  comfort  that  leads  into  innum- 
erable conveniences  is  this:     When  we  KEEP 


88  FACE  TO  FACE 

looking  towards  the  heights  we  find  love  welling 
in  our  hearts  for  all  mankind,  and  we  seek  their 
WELFARE  AS  WELL  AS  OUR  OWN.  LOVE 
OVERCOMETH  the  world,  though  the  whole 
world  seemingly  be  against  thee.  When  we  look 
with  love  to  the  welfare  of  our  fellow  man,  sooner 
or  later  love  is  going  to  find  response,  and  it  is 
indeed  convenient  to  be  loved;  it  is  the  FULL- 
NESS OF  ALL. 

^^No  greater  love  hath  any  man  than  he  lay 
down  his  life  for  a  friend." 

Christ,  in  the  fullness  of  His  love,  gave  life 
to  ALL  MANKIND.  Can  we  give  one-tenth  as 
much  to  our  fellow  man? 

God  said,  ^'LET  THERE  BE  LIGHT,  and 
there  WAS  light.''  The  power  of  expressive 
principles  directed  towards  the  object  desired, 
has  been  taught  us  FROM  THE  BEGINNING. 
Why  then  tarry?     ^'Go  thou,  and  do  likewise.'' 

Anything  of  value  must  begin  through  the 
power  of  expression,  whether  it  be  in  thought  or 
the  spoken  word.  The  sword  of  unrest  cannot 
cleave  the  flesh  until  the  mind  is  laid  bare  of 
armor.  The  robin  cannot  sing  until  something 
within  calls  forth  the  song.  The  instrument  must 
have  the  touch  of  expression  before  it  can  peal 
forth  its  melody.  Man  must  call  forth  the  ex- 
pressive principles  would  he  conquer  worlds. 
MAN,  thou  knowest  not  thine  own  inborn  power, 
thine  own  DIVINE  RIGHT  to  WILL  into  exist- 
ence things  needful  unto  thee.  To  WILL  into 
existence  any  given  thing,  is  to  FIRST  SEEK 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  89 

THE  KINGDOM  AND  HIS  RIGHTEOUS- 
NESS, and  ALL  THINGS  NEEDFUL  SHALL 
BE  ADDED  UNTO  YOU. 

Through  DIVINE  WILL  the  world  was  created. 

**I,  of  myself,  can  do  nothing.'^ 
He  who  is  victor  must  do  the  work  of  HIM 
WHO  HATH  SENT  HIM.    '*Ye  fools,  did  ye 
not  know  that  He  that  made  that  which  is  WITH- 
OUT, made  that  which  was  WITHIN  also?^' 

ONE  GREATER  THAN  I 

No  more  beautiful  truth  exists  in  the  Garden 
of  God  than  nature's  dreams;  the  kind  of  dreams 
that  slumber  in  the  hearts  of  the  innocent.  In- 
spiration is  born  in  the  budding  soul  from  which 
countless  well-springs  of  truth,  love  and  mercy 
are  revealed  in  the  character  of  a  child  from  day 
unto  day.  One  of  the  greatest  charms  in  the  Gar- 
den of  God  is  the  infallible  truth  that  teaches  the 
child  through  nature's  dreams  that  love  DOES 
NOT  KILL. 

Innocence  plays  like  the  wind  with  things  man 
fear  to  touch. 

Innocence  stood  midst  the  Garden  of  God  play- 
ing with  beasts,  birds,  flowers  and  creeping 
things.  These  held  the  same  theme  for  the  inno- 
cent one;  they  were  all  beautiful,  all  had  the 
secret  call  of  attune-ment.  A  chubby  hand  caught 
a  golden  butterfly,  two  blue  eyes  looked  heaven- 
ward ;  had  the  butterfly  lived  so  long  in  the  sun- 
shine that  its  wings  had  caught  the  gold?  The 
blue  eyes  dropped  low  with  the  wonder  of  it. 
There  at  his  feet  grew  buttercups  in  profusion; 


90  FACE  TO  FACE 

**more  gold/'  breathed  innocence;  "harmony  of 
purpose/'  whispered  nature's  dreams. 

The  tiny  hand  relaxed;  the  butterfly  fluttered 
unharmed  from  the  dimpled  hand  that  had  held  it 
prisoner.  "Fly  away,  fly  away,"  cried  the  soul 
of  truth:  "gather  upon  thy  wings  the  freedom 
that  is  born  in  the  heart  of  the  innocent." 

Two  blue  eyes  again  searched  the  sky.  "0, 
where  is  my  sun  now  I"  Anguished  tears  flowed 
o'er  the  buttercups.  "But  see,"  whispered  na- 
ture's dreams,  "the  buttercups  keep  the  gold, 
while  the  clouds  turn  into  watering-pots.  Canst 
thou  not  see  how  it  dips,  dips;  how  tenderly  the 
drops  fall,  refreshing  them?" 

"And  that  is  THY  mission,  dear — to  refresh 
humanity  when  material  clouds  gather;  holding 
the  gold  before  their  eyes  that  they  may  remem- 
ber "God  trieth  the  heart"  to  make  them 
stronger,  sweeter,  more  pure,  that  they  may  in- 
herit the  Kingdom." 

"Aye,  that  is  good,"  cried  innocence,  "but  my 
butterfly  will  get  its  wings  wet,  and  then  it  can- 
not fly." 

"Come,"  said  nature's  dreams.  Step  by  step 
he  led  innocence  to  a  nearby  tree.  '  ^  Thinkest  thou 
God  hast  forgotten,  fair  one  ?  Thy  beautiful  but- 
terfly is  safe;  see  how  snugly  its  leaf  raincoat 
fits?  See  the  contentment  peeping  from  his  little 
eyes?" 

"It  is  true,"  cried  innocence,  "it  is  true.  God 
does  NOT  forget." 

"Snap,  snap,  snap."  Innocence,  startled  be- 
yond words,  turned  to  run  away,  stumbling  over 


IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD  9l 

the  very  thing  he  was  running  from.  Stooping, 
he  picked  up  the  snapping  turtle.  **How  funny 
you  are,  you  foolishest  thing,  to  snap  and  snap 
at  me ;  I  would  not  harm  thee. '  * 

A  long  neck  upon  which  sat  a  strange  little 
head,  came  popping  out  of  its  shell;  two  beady 
eyes  looked  long  and  searchingly  into  a  pair  of 
blue.  Love  shown,  and  confidence  found  a  home. 
*  *  0,  I  see, ' '  said  the  innocent  one ;  *  *  THAT  is  the 
way  God  has  given  thee  to  tell  me  not  to  take 
too  many  liberties  with  thee,  eh?    Ah,  'tis  good.'* 

Blub-b-lu-b.  Innocence  placed  friend  turtle  ten- 
derly on  the  ground,  and  then  bent  low  over  the 
little  brook  from  whence  the  blubbering  sound 
had  come.  BEHOLD!  he  saw  reflected  there — 
**His  likeness  and  image.''  The  shower  had 
passed ;  as  the  sun  burst  forth,  throwing  a  golden 
halo  o'er  the  water,  the  image  grew  more  beauti- 
ful. 

Two  tiny  hands  reached  down  to  catch  the  sil- 
ver fish  blubbering  and  playing  so  happily  in  the 
fresh  cool  water.  A  tiny  foot  slipped;  Wisdom 
came  close,  gathering  the  innocent  one  in  his 
great  strong  arms.  Silently  they  stood  watching 
until  the  stars  came  out.  ^^God  is  lighting  His 
lamps,  dear,  that  the  path  may  be  made  safe  for 
us."  Two  little  arms  stole  around  the  neck  of 
Wisdom,  a  little  head  lay  trustfully  on  his 
shoulder,  a  soft  little  sigh  breathed  content.  The 
powerful  form  of  Wisdom  crunched  the  twigs  be- 
neath his  feet  as  they  passed  on,  through  the 
Garden  of  God. 

The  air  grew  sweet  with  the  fragrance  of  san- 


92  FACE  TO  FACE 

dalwood;  voices  came  from  afar  off  singing  na- 
ture's dreams.  Two  blue  eyes  closed  in  peaceful 
slumber.  Wisdom  trod  on  carrying  his  precious 
burden  into  the  great  open  field;  a  soft  form 
brushed  them  by.  **Ha,  haP'  cried  Wisdom,  **I 
have  no  bow  and  arrow,  why  dost  thou  fear  me, 
wild  thing!  This  is  the  Garden  of  God;  in  it 
TRUTH  abideth  and  thou  art  safe.''  The  wild 
thing  paused ;  love  vibrating  in  the  voice  of  Wis- 
dom gave  it  confidence ;  it  came  close,  licking  the 
feet  of  Innocence.  **Come,"  said  Wisdom,  *^we 
are  at  the  end  of  our  journey  and  This  is  the 
house  of  LOVE."  So  saying  he  threw  wide  the 
portals;  BEHOLD  ONE  GREATER  than  I!  The 
one  greater  than  I,  bared  His  hands  and  feet; 
blood  flowed  freely  o'er  the  path  that  Innocence 
and  Wisdom  had  trod.  Innocence  looked,  shud- 
dered, two  blue  eyes  closed.  Again  Innocence 
turned  his  head  to  behold  the  bleeding  hands 
and  feet;  and  LO!— THEY  WERE  HEALED. 
Two  astonished  eyes  again  wandered  down  the 
path  Wisdom  had  trod.  Yea,  'twas  true — ROSES 
GREW  where  blood  had  flowed;  BEHOLD  THE 
TRUTH— IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  GOD! 

The  sweet  incense  of  peace  stole  o  'er  them  and 
they  slept — a  soft  voice  whispered  a  lullaby — 
''  'Tis  I— be  not  afraid." 

Voices  in  the  far  off  were  singing  nature's 
dreams.  The  camels  were  contentedly  chewing 
the  cud  of  Madrigal;  stars  peeped  through  fleet- 
ing clouds,  the  trees  whispered  assurance,  but 
^^NOT  ANY  TREES  in  the  Garden  of  God  were 
like  unto  HIM  IN  BEAUTY." 


CHAPTEE  II 
WAVES  THAT  COME  TO   SHORE 

A  WEE   BIT  OF  HEAVEN 
A  wee  bit  of  heaven  fell  from  the  clouds  one  day, 
Slipped  right  into  my  soul — and  then  away. 

I  felt  the  warmth  and  sunshine  of  a  brighter  day, 
I  forgot  the  sting  of  death,  it  was  far  away. 

There  arose  a  Glory,  the  like  I  had  ne'er  seen 

before 
It  was  the  '' burning  bush,''  and,  it  was  more. 

There  arose  amidst  it  a  form  so  wondrous  bright, 
It  illumined  all  the  world  with  its  Holy  light. 

^^Put  off  thine  shoes  from  off  thine  feet,  for  this 
Is  Holy  ground";  child  I  insist,  do  not  resist. 

I  sang  songs  of  yester  years,  and  then  do  say, 
I  was  lifted  in  a  chariot,  drawn  by  horses  gay. 

I  sailed  the  Red  Sea  over,  I  saw  the  parting  of 

the  way. 
The  sun  set  in  its  glory,  in  my  heart  it  left  a  ray. 

I  wondered.  Could  I  be  an  angel?  to  ride  thus 

o'er  the  sea, 
I  looked  about,  but  not  another  angel,  looked — 

like  me. 


94  FACE  TO  FACE 

Softly,  I  slipped  back  to  earth,  glanced  about, 

and  then — 
Found  angel  blossoms  growing  in  the  hearts  of 

men! 

EXAIiTED  PRAYER 

INGERSOLL:  ^^  Thousands  ask  God  to  be 
protected  from  the  devil;  some,  like  David,  pray 
for  revenge;  and  some  implore  God  not  to  lead 
them  into  temptation.  All  these  prayers  rest 
upon,  and  are  produced  by,  the  idea  that  some 
power  not  only  can,  but  will,  change  the  order  of 
the  universe.'* 

LOTUS :  The  power  of  love  is  the  only  thing 
that  will  ever  change  the  conditions  of  the  uni- 
verse. Until  ^^Love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself  is 
put  into  practical  application  and  is  made  a 
statutory  law  in  the  land,  so  to  speak,  we  cannot 
hope  for  any  great  change.  Unselfish  love  is  the 
foundation  of  peace. 

When  we  seek  aid  from  on  high,  we  are  not 
satisfied  to  ask  once  and  then  TRUST  for  the 
fulfillment;  no,  we  keep  on  asking,  much  as  the 
child  does  for  candy. 

Nature  does  not  ask;  it  LIVES  in  the  boun- 
teous supply  of  NOW.  ^^  Consider  the  lilies  of 
the  field,  how  they  grow ;  they  toil  not,  neither  do 
they  spin,  yet  I  say  unto  you  that  even  Solomon 
in  all  his  glory  was  not  arrayed  as  one  of  these. '* 

Nature  meets  nature  in  the  Divine  presence  of 
its  Creator.  When  we  learn  to  meet  Him  there, 
our  supply  will  be  more  apparent  to  us.    In  the 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  95 

minds  of  the  ignorant,  the  silver  thread  of  the 
Divine  is  ever  spinning;  it  will  eventually  CON- 
SUME IGNOEANCE,  whether  it  be  in  genera- 
tions to  come  or  now. 

^*That  at  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  shall 
bow  of  THINGS  OF  HEAVEN,  and  THINGS 
OF  EARTH,  and  THINGS  UNDER  THE 
EARTH,  and  that  every  tongue  shall  confess  that 
Jesus  Christ  is  Lord  to  the  glory  of  the  Father." 

The  trouble  is  that  most  prayers  are  sent  forth 
from  hollow  souls.  Prayer  is  a  tonic  for  the 
soul,  a  beverage  for  the  body,  an  adequate 
FORCE  in  affairs;  it  is  recreation  from  the 
world  of  things;  it  is  a  God-given  right  to  one 
and  all  without  respect  of  persons.  There  is  not 
one  who  has  tasted  the  cup  of  HONEST  prayer 
that  will  not  repeat  it  sometime  in  the  course  of 
their  lives. 

When  universal  love  is  expressed  in  the  FULL- 
NESS of  its  beauty,  temptations  will  be  met  and 
conquered  through  the  mighty  unity  of  thought; 
prayer  universal  will  so  uplift  the  human  race 
that  God's  purpose  will  be  complete,  for  has  He 
not  said:  ''1  say  unto  you,  LOVE  YOUR 
ENEMIES,  bless  them  that  curse  you  and  them 
that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  that  despite- 
fully  use  you  and  persecute  you''?  This  is  an- 
other scientific  truth  contained  in  the  Bible;  a 
metaphysical  law;  the  foundation  of  New 
Thought,  science,  etc.,  and  yet,  just  the  old 
truth  after  all.  The  Bible  CANNOT  be  improved 
on;  it  cannot  be  changed  to  meet  the  ideas  of 


96  FACE   TO  FACE 

man.  Man  must  revert  to  the  PLAIN  TRUTH 
IN  THE  BIBLE  before  he  CAN  MEET  HIS 
IDEALS. 

**Be  therefore  not  like  unto  them:  for  your 
Father  knoweth  what  things  ye  have  need  of, 
BEFORE  ye  ask  Him.  After  this  manner 
therefore  pray  ye,  *Our  Father  which  art  in 
heaven — ^  ''  What  solace,  what  joy  rekindles 
again  and  again  in  the  hearts  of  those  who  ^*pray 
with  understanding  also'M 

*^Let  the  spirit  of  God  dwell  within  you 
richly.'*  Here  is  the  solution  to  the  purpose  of 
prayer  to  the  conditions  of  the  universe. 

It  is  the  law  of  nature  to  be  methodical  as  to 
time  and  season,  renewing  the  forces  of  growth 
from  time  to  time  by  going  into  the  SILENCE, 
housing  its  energy  for  greater  service.  Prayer 
is  like  that,  when  it  is  HONEST  prayer.  It  is 
NATURAL  growth  that  admits  the  inflow  of  the 
Divine,  from  which  we  reap  an  abundant  harvest. 

We  cannot  uproot  the  worldly  ideals  man  has 
set,  as  the  hands  of  a  clock,  pointing  to  what  he 
deems  to  call  PERFECTION,  but  we  CAN  hold 
the  Cross  of  Calvary  before  his  eyes  until  the 
lights  burn  low  in  the  Cathedral  of  a  Godless 
pulpit.  We  CAN  plant  seeds  that  will  grow  in 
the  desert  of  ignorance. 

The  cut-worm  cannot  destroy  the  ^'burning 
bush"  for:     '^HERE  AM  I,  HERE  AM  L** 

THOUGHTS  AND  THEIR  KIN 

Previous  to  the  transition  of  Ella  Wheeler  Wil- 
cox, there  came  before  the  public  a  query,  ^^Why 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  97 

does  this  capable  writer  cling  to  the  old  idea  of 
a  Godr*  I  folded  the  paper  and  answered  within 
my  own  soul,  WHY?  Because  she  was  a 
THINKER.  Because  she  was  one  who  came  very 
close  to  the  heart  of  things.  Because  she  was 
clean,  good  and  wholesome.  Because  she  under- 
stood the  SOURCE  of  her  OWN  POWER  to  do. 

DEAR  SOUL,  that  has  lived,  still  lives, 

In  the  arms  of  the  great  Infinite  God 

Who  hath  made  the  way  clear, 

And  holdeth  dear  the   treasures  trove   she  left 

behind ; 
That  we  might  grow  in  beauty  so,  we  could  if  we 

would, 
Rival  the  stars,  and  thus  bring  home  to  her, 
The  knowledge  that  she  worked  not  in  vain  but 

the 
Same  God  in  whom  she  believed,  held  us  close  in 

His 
Embrace  that  we  too  might  find  a  place,  where 

she, 
OUR  LOVED  ONE  DWELLETH. 

We  are  a  part  of  the  great  eternal  whole.  We 
cannot  deny  one  member  of  the  body,  nor  can  we 
deny  the  unity  of  purpose  in  connecting  the  many 
members  of  the  body;  nor  can  we  deny  these 
have  a  Divine  purpose  that  embodies  SPIRIT. 

Life  is  a  creative  force  that  proclaims  a  CREA- 
TOR. It  is  conscious,  intelligent  existence;  a 
VITAL  PRINCIPLE;  that  which  tends  toward 
progression    and    development;    these    proclaim 


98  FACE  TO  FACE 

God.  Intelligence  is  Omnipotent,  Omnipetent, 
Omnipresent  Spirit.     ^^God  is  a  Spirit.'' 

The  inhabitants  of  India  will  not  accept  our 
God  because  they  cannot  imagine  spirit  as  WILL, 
as  a  force  that  can  ACT  and  CEEATE  without 
being  united  with  matter.  They  do  not  under- 
stand, or  know,  that  electricity  is  directly  con- 
nected with  Divinity;  that  spirit  HAS  power  to 
penetrate  substance  by  its  electric  magnetic 
force;  that  spirit  IS  will,  conscious  intelligence; 
that  it  has  power  to  quicken  dormant  negative 
films  as  it  were,  into  ACTIVE  principles  that 
will  co-operate  with  higher  intelligences,  and  thus 
enliven  empires. 

It  may  seem  strange  fancy,  nevertheless  the 
Omnipotent  presence  of  spirit  CAN  and  WILL 
co-operate  with  the  VEEY  VITALS  OF  THE 
HUMAN  EACE,  until  it  has  accomplished  the 
DIGNITY  with  which  man  was  in  the  first  place 
endowed;  made  in  His  likeness  and  image. 

The  bare  fact  that  Spirit  is  NATUEAL,  puts 
upon  its  face  the  power  to  send  forth  and  quicken 
the  responsive  chords  of  nature  in  man.  It  is 
the  God  in  man  calling  for  the  Divine  in  nature, 
the  headlight  by  which  spirit  finds  its  way  to  en- 
liven, quicken  and  develop  these  powers.  Man 
may  live  for  years  without  recognizing  this  great 
force  at  work  within;  and  then,  without  warning, 
find  the  truth  in  it  through  some  outward  expres- 
sion that  will  bring  the  fact  home  to  him  that  he 
HAS  talents,  powers,  that  MAY  grow  into  great 
achievements. 


WAVES  THAT  COMB  TO  SHORE  99 

God  is  a  supreme  force,  personal  by  nature. 
**GOD  IS  A  SPIEIT.'^  In  ^^  Simplified  Lessons 
in  the  Science  of  Being''  by  Fanny  B.  Harley,  we 
find  the  following:  **I  call  your  attention  to  the 
fact  that  Jesus  could  not  have  said,  *God  is  a 
spirit,'  but  *God  is  spirit';  for  John  says:  'God 
is  love,'  'God  is  light.'  "  The  author  must  have 
overlooked  a  verse  in  which  John  also  said: 
**God  is  A  spirit:  and  they  that  worship  Him 
must  worship  HIM  in  spirit  and  in  truth."  This 
was  taken  from  a  Bible  so  old  I  was  compelled  to 
use  a  microscope  to  see  the  words  clearly,  the 
date  being  wholly  effaced  by  time. 

''God  is  Love."  We  know  that  it  takes 
FORCE  to  send  love  into  penetrating  properties 
and  expressions.  This  is  a  personal  quality. 
"God  is  light."  Spirit  is  light,  the  illuminating 
presence  of  God.  Love  is  the  battery  of  soul ;  no 
light  is  visible  without  soul.  In  the  recesses  of 
the  soul  the  expressive  principles  are  set  to  work, 
from  which  emit  the  presence  of  the  Eucharist. 
It  is  easier  when  we  know  this,  to  understand 
what  power  mind  has  over  matter ;  why  the  spirit 
of  God  may  dwell  within  us  richly;  why  thought 
has  such  wonderful  force. 

INGERSOLL:  "Even  Christ,  the  supposed 
son  of  God,  taught  that  persons  were  possessed 
with  evil  spirits  and  frequently,  according  to  the 
accounts,  gave  proof  of  this  Divine  origin  and 
mission  by  frightening  devils  out  of  his  own 
countrymen.  Chasing  devils  was  his  chief  em- 
ployment, and  the  devils  thus  vanquished  gener- 


100  FACE   TO  FACE 

ally  took  occasion  to  acknowledge  him  as  the  true 
Messiah,  which  was  not  only  kind  of  them,  but 
fortunate  for  him/' 

LOTUS:  The  above  statement  is  unusually 
antagonistic  to  the  laws  of  PURE  SPIRIT,  and 
is  a  fair  example  of  thought  and  its  effect. 
Thought  forces  do  not  cease  as  soon  as  forgotten 
by  us ;  there  is  a  record  THERE.  I  wonder  how 
we  will  feel  when  we  face  our  thought  world? 
Our  air  castles  do  not  seem  so  vague  after  all; 
they  are  but  truth  written  in  fiction.  Let  us 
pray;  prayer  was  never  more  needed  than  in  the 
construction  of  the  thought  world. 

Thoughts  are  things.  Consider  what  manner 
of  THINGr  such  a  thought  would  create;  things 
that  leave  their  imprint  buried  deep  in  the  minds 
of  the  many.  These  thoughts  impress  the  indi- 
vidual, or  individuals,  according  to  the  power  be- 
hind the  thought.  If  they  are  evil,  falling  upon 
fertile  ground,  the  consequences  may  become  phe- 
nomenal in  nature  in  their  course  of  construction 
and  destruction.  Good  thoughts  likewise,  build 
according  to  the  power  from  the  positive  to  the 
negative,  infusing  themselves  in  some  fertile 
brain,  BECOMINd  A  DEFINITE  ACTION,  then 
habit.  Habit  forms  CHARACTER;  character  a 
DESTINY. 

To  become  a  harboring  negative,  is  to  admit  an 
obsessing  force  that  imprisons  disease  in  mind 
and  body,  which  results  in  demonstrating  a  degen- 
erate force.  A  degenerate  force  developing  in 
mind  demonstrates  evil,  until  it  BECOMES  an 
obsessing  force.    Jesus  drove  out  these  obsessing 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  101 

forces,  devils,  by  the  POWEE  OF  THE  SPOKEN 
WOED. 

TEUTH  CASTETH  OUT  ALL  COEEUP- 
TION.  Man  cleansed,  purified  by  the  WOED  OF 
GOD  and  praise  recognizes  not  only  JESUS  AS 
THE  CHEIST,  but  recognizes  the  Divine  prin- 
ciple within  HIS  OWN  BEING.  These  obsessed 
ones  did  not  know  the  truth  for  themselves ;  Jesus 
knew  it  for  them;  ^^but,''  the  infidel  says: 
^^  JESUS  DEOVE  THEM  into  swine.'' 

They  WEEE  things,  TEULY  they  were  things. 
No  matter  what  FOEM  they  took,  they  WEEE 
THE  EESULT  OF  SIN,  of  evil  THOUGHT,  of 
OBSESSING  FOECE.    They  were  MATEEIAL     , 
THOUGHT,  and  of  SUCH  constru^,tij(iil;  is*,  the   \j 
DEVIL  HIMSELF.  ...   '.  \  '  1  ..^,,.. .., ... 

COMMONPLACE  THINGS  AND  THEIR 
PLACE  IN  THE  REALMS  OF  THE  DIVINE 

Boom!  Boom!  Boom-e-ty  Boom!  Halleluiah — 
what  a  Saviour !  Meekly  we  follow  to  their  hall 
those  who  sing.  We  see  them  feed  the  hungry, 
see  the  hot  coffee  and  rolls  grasped  eagerly  by 
dirty,  grimy  hands.  We  hear  the  great  army 
singing  all  the  while  ^^COME,  BEOTHEE,  GOD 
IS  WAITING. ''  Tears  stream  down  furrowed 
cheeks,  the  hungry  are  fed  in  SPIEIT  AND  IN 
TEUTH.  In  this  one  little  act  there  is  so  much 
that  is  EEAL.  It  is  through  just  such  little 
things  that  the  spirit  of  God  is  ENABLED  to 
dwell  within  us  richly.  It  is  in  the  so-called  com- 
monjDlace  things  of  life  that  we  see  the  magnitude 
of  God's  works.    From  the  tiniest  particle  to  the 


102  FACE   TO  FACE 

highest  mountain  top,  we  find  the  Infinite  wisdom 
and  workings  of  Divine  purpose,  running  like  a 
thread  of  gold  throughout  the  universe. 

As  I  walked  toward  the  morning-glory  vines, 
peeping  over  the  fence  at  me,  I  looked  out  over 
the  alley,  and  paused  to  look  closer  at  the  bright 
shiny  row  of  garbage  cans  that  dotted  the  alley 
here  and  there.  I  could  but  wonder,  as  I  noted 
the  tightly  fitting  lids,  at  the  perfect  system  that 
had  made  the  garbage  can  possible. 

It  was  first  taken  from  the  bowels  of  the  earth 
in  the  Garden  of  God,  and  then  brought  to  the 
light  of  usefulness  by  fhe  intelligence  and  skill 
of  man.  The  routine  of  city  system  waylays  dis- 
'^  ea^e/ and -gives  sustenance  to  the  earth,  by  dis- 
posing of  the  garbage  as  a  fertilizer,  and  thus  the 
yl^W'Of  producing  is  enlivened. 

God  may  not  have  thought  of  the  garbage  can, 
but  He  thought  of  the  NEEDS  of  man;  much  as 
the  fond  father  places  before  his  son  tools  and 
material,  knowing  that  the  child  will  create  some- 
thing useful,  pleasing.  He  knows  also,  the  more 
we  express  the  Divine  sense,  the  greater  will  be 
our  achievements. 

Power  groweth  in  a  night  when  it  is  justified 
by  faith  in  works. 

As  I  walked  back  to  the  house  I  paused  by 
the  kitchen  sink,  when  a  question  arose  in  my 
mind — WHY  do  servants  so  dislike  to  wash 
dishes?  The  wee  small  voice  whispered:  ^*Have 
you  ever  thought  what  the  dishpan  and  its  con- 
tents mean  to  us?     The  earth  itself  is  a  part  of 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  103 

their  construction ;  the  beautiful  decorations,  the 
mineral  paint,  is  taken  from  the  LITTLE 
THINGS  of  earth. '» 

What  a  wonderful  amount  of  thought  and  skill, 
romance  and  sentiment,  that  dishpan  holds,  I 
cried!  Why,  there  are  the  cups  that  were  given 
to  mother  on  her  wedding  day,  and  they  are  the 
old  Roman  blue  that  is  so  hard  to  obtain  now. 
The  funny  little  windmills  and  the  peasants 
dotted  here  and  there  over  them  always  bring  a 
SMILE  WITH  THEM.  And  there,  look  at  that 
little  butter  tray!  Grandmother  made  such  lovely 
little  pats  of  butter  that  just  seemed  to  be  grow- 
ing among  the  gold  and  green  decorations  on  the 
tray.  Never  shall  I  forget  how  delicious  were 
the  biscuit  and  butter,  the  honey  and  the  cream; 
was  it  because  they  were  served  so  attractively! 
Was  it  the  effect  of  suggestion?  Dishes  DO  sug- 
gest to  us.  The  WAY  things  are  served  repels 
or  compels.  It  is  one  of  the  little  things  that 
assists  nature  to  heal. 

AND  LOOK,  HERE  is  Jimmie's  little  mug; 
funny,  isn't  it,  with  its  quaint  coloring!  But 
Jimmie  went  away,  last  year,  in  apple  blossom 
time,  and  the  mug  holds  flowers  now. 

And  here  are  the  modern  plates,  that  we  had 
such  a  HAPPY  time  selecting  when  HIS  HONOR 
came  to  dine — what  a  WORLD  of  poetry  that 
dishpan  holds! 

I  had  a  colored  maid  at  that  time  of  whom  I 
was  very  fond,  but  she  did  SO  dislike  to  wash 
dishes.     A  few  days  after  my  own  experience 


104  PACE   TO  FACE 

with  the  wee  small  voice,  I  went  to  the  kitchen 
at  dish-washing  time  and  asked  Milly  if  she  knew 
what  she  was  washing. 

^^Yas  'em,  I  does;  dishes,  and  dey's  dirty,  too/' 

I  explained  to  her  the  origin  of  dishes  and  the 
sentiment  that  was  bubbling  happily  about  in  the 
sparkling  suds;  what  those  dishes  meant  to  me, 
and  to  mankind  in  general. 

^^Now  Missie,  who'd  evah  thought  of  that  but 
jes'  you!"  she  cried  vehemently. 

I  never  saw  Milly  washing  dishes  again  that 
she  did  not  originate  some  song  attuned  to  her 
task.  It  brought  harmony  in  our  kitchen,  and  a 
greater  understanding  in  the  heart  of  Milly  for 
THINGS,  as  seen  through  the  spiritual  eye.  She 
thought  it  a  privilege  to  care  for  and  cleanse  the 
things  that  God  and  man  had  brought  to 
perfection. 

After  that  many  beautiful  thoughts  were 
brought  to  my  room,  crude,  true;  but  they  bared 
the  heart  that  was  learning  the  value  of  things 
made  holy  by  the  gift  of  the  spirit. 

One  fogg>^,  dreary  day  I  was  somewhat 
depressed ;  it  almost  seemed  that  God  had  disap- 
peared in  the  sunshine  of  yesterday,  when  Milly 
tiptoed  to  my  side  unannounced.  '' Missie,  look 
a  heah."  From  her  apron  she  took  an  old 
raspberry  can.  ''See  that,  Missie,"  pointing  with 
pride  to  a  seed  that  had  begun  to  sprout,  even 
though  it  had  got  wedged  in  the  crevice  of  an  old 
tin  can.  "You-all  said,  Missie,  you  would  jes' 
give  anything  for  one  Scotch  thistle  like  Missie 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  105 

Julia  haid.  When  Missie  Julia's  thistle  died,  she 
done  throw  it  in  our  ya'd,  an'  the  seed  done  hid 
for  you,  Missie." 

**How  do  you  know  it  is  a  Scotch  thistle, 
Milly?" 

In  answer,  she  held  up  a  piece  of  down  that  had 
somehow  become  fastened  under  the  little  seed. 
Milly  cared  for  the  little  seed  as  though  it  were 
a  diamond;  and  so  it  proved  to  be  later,  when 
she  proudly  set  a  plant  before  me  that  bore  one 
of  the  most  perfect  thistles  it  has  ever  been  my 
pleasure  to  see.  She  had  put  on  her  new 
STA'CHED  gingham  and  stiff  little  white  cap 
in  honor  of  the  occasion.  Silently  she  sat,  her 
head  between  her  hands,  watching  me  paint  the 
thistle  that  God  had  placed  so  mysteriously  near 
the  hand  that  had  tended  it. 

*^ Ain't  it  a  BIG  thistle,  Missie?" 

**Yes,  it  is,  Milly,  thanks  to  you." 

The  old  raspberry  can,  dressed  in  a  coat  of 
green  paint,  sits  in  state  on  Milly 's  old  slate 
mantel  today. 

**No'em,  you-all  cain't  have  it,  it's  the  biggest 
thing  in  old  Milly 's  life;  NO  SUH,  nor  you  cain't 
put  your  cigah  ashes  in  it  either." 

*  ^  I  have  heard  of  peace  pipes  and  dream  pipes, 
Milly,"  said  my  escort,  ^'but  I  have  never  heard 
of  dream-cans." 

^ '  You-all  hush  you  business,  that  aint  no  dream 
can,  that  am  EEALIZATION. " 

Many  a  seeming  trifle  dwells  on  the  mantel  of 


106  PACE  TO  FACE 

memory  and  sings  in  accord  with  the  Infinite, 
humble  though  they  be. 

Thinking  among  the  little  things,  the  plain 
humble  things,  is  a  profound  religious  duty. 

^'Not  as  eye  service,  as  men  pleasers,  but  as 
servants  of  God  from  the  heart.'' 

For  He  would  have  us  be  as  little  children, 
that  we  may  see  the  BEAUTIES  of  His  power 
in  every  leaf,  tree  and  flower.  Thinking  among 
LITTLE  THINGS  so  develops  the  latent  forces, 
talents,  that  they  spring  up  almost  unnoticed 
until  we  realize  the  working  power  in  them  and 
aid  their  expression  by  lending  to  them  the  best 
thought  and  training.  This  is  the  key  to  develop- 
ing any  talent  or  power;  lending  our  best  efforts 
to  it,  unhampered  by  what  would  sometimes  seem 
to  be  but  fancy.  It  is  after  all,  the  things  we 
take  pleasure  in,  that  enables  us  to  find  and  hold 
a  latent  power  until  we  CAN  give  it  the  attention 
its  nature  demands  to  bring  out  its  worth  in  full 
force.  It  is  but  the  QUICKENING  OF  THE 
DIVINE  WITHIN,  the  possibilities  of  His 
likeness  and  image,  making  themselves  manifest 
in  outward  expression.  Thought,  rightly  directed, 
is  the  science  that  is  the  agency  of  producing.  It 
is  a  sort  of  electric  energy  that  meets  spirited 
action  and  the  phenomena  due  to  these  actions. 
Thus  we  find  thought  CAN  BE  SO  DIRECTED 
AS  TO  QUICKEN  LIFE  IN  ACTION  until  it 
becomes  any  one  of  the  arts  or  professions  our 
being  is  capable  of  expressing.  We  find  the 
greatest  food  for  thought  in  nature,  for  nature 
brings  to  us  at  times  the  power  of  second  sight, 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  107 

as  it  were;  that  is,  we  are  enabled  to  see  beyond 
the  present  condition  of  our  possibilities  at  the 
time,  and  through  some  unseen  power  working 
in  all  nature  our  eyes  are  opened  to  the  truth 
within.  Determination  to  get  CLOSE  TO  GOD, 
to  the  THINGS  OF  GOD;  opening  the  door  of 
the  soul  to  the  inflow  of  truth  in  these,  brings 
peace,  poise  and  power  through  which  we  are 
enabled  to  understand  in  the  fullest  sense  what 
we  are  capable  of;  what  talents  are  dormant,  and 
what  particular  faculty  only  needs  the  touch  of 
expression  to  call  it  forth  into  being.  EEALLY 
dormant  talents  may  be  brought  forth  by  proper 
adjustment  to  their  needs.  Too  oft  an  inferior 
instructor  is  thought  good  enough  to  BEGIN 
with;  this  is  a  grave  mistake,  the  best  tutor 
obtainable  is  not  good  enough  to  help  us  build 
the  foundation  of  a  future.  A  poor  instructor 
may  take  mayhap  years  of  expression  from  us, 
months  of  worry  and  turmoil,  discouragement, 
and  the  end  is  not  satisfactory. 

Find  the  talent,  find  and  obtain  the  best 
instructor,  then  apply  the  BEST  THAT  IS  IN 
YOU  to  the  theme  in  hand.  YOU  WILL  WIN  IF 
YOU  KEEP  GOD  IN  IT. 

First  find,  then  apply  the  knowledge  necessary 
to  carry  these  talents  through  the  dark  stages 
of  torpid  dormancy  into  the  bright  light  of 
active  reality ;  the  end  will  NOT  be  disappointing. 
That  is  the  secret  of  it  all;  when  our  thoughts 
by  God  are  led  THEEE  we  find  all  we  are 
seeking,  and  more.  Angels  may  be  slumbering 
near  our  door.     Nature  assists  us  to  find  and 


108  FACE   TO  FACE 

apply  our  better  self;  our  BIG  self  to  reach  out 
into  the  night  and  draw  within  our  care  and 
protection  the  innocent  ones,  that  we  may  reap 
all  the  beauty  such  as  these  give,  and  the  greatest 
of  these  is  trusting  love.  Like  Evangeline,  we 
seek  our  loves  through  the  paths  of  nature  bare- 
foot and  longing.  IT  is  the  AET  created  in  the 
heart,  the  blending  of  nature  and  the  soul,  that 
gives  hope,  no  matter  the  goal.  Over  our  heads 
the  stars  gleam  forth  brighter  and  still  brighter 
with  each  new  night.  AH!  it  is  the  kindling  of 
God's  thoughts,  shining  through  the  mist  of 
years,  to  bring  us  laughter  and  dry  our  tears! 

Nature  is  ever  teaching  its  beautiful  lessons  to 
man  even  though  it  be  expressed  in  the  hod  he 
carries  on  his  back.  The  hod  comes  from  the 
Garden  of  God,  and  it  holds  more  from  the 
garden;  it  is  spiritualized  by  honest  labor  and 
the  creative  substance  it  holds.  The  hod  carrier 
is  an  honest  factor  in  the  building  of  things 
beautiful. 

I  knew  a  very  rich  man  who  was  ill,  ill  from 
lack  of  faith  in  his  fellow  man.  It  seemed  to  him 
that  no  one  could  smile  in  his  presence  unless 
they  wanted  some  favor  or  financial  aid.  He 
grew  melancholy  in  consequence  and  moved  to 
the  suburbs,  where  he  sat  moodily  watching  the 
building  going  up  near  his  own.  One  day  a 
workman  passed  as  he  sat  there  dreaming.  The 
man  stopped,  picked  a  little  flower  growing  just 
outside  the  gate ;  turning  he  went  up  to  the  sick 
man  saying: 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  109 

*^Are  ye  sick!  and  Howdy;  here's  a  little 
flower ;  maybe  it  '11  make  ye  perk  up  a  wee  bit. ' ' 

In  astonishment  the  rich  man  grasped  eagerly 
the  proffered  flower.  Daily  after  that  Pat  would 
pass  the  rich  man's  house  with  a  cheerful 
^^ Howdy;  how  be  ye?"  The  rich  man  grew  more 
and  more  impatient  for  morning  to  come  and 
with  it  the  cheerful  face  of  Pat.  One  day  Pat 
failed  to  make  an  appearance.  Discontentedly,  the 
rich  man  wended  his  way  across  the  street  and 
asked  the  foreman  what  had  become  of  Pat. 

*^And  sure,"  said  the  foreman,  ^^his  baby  is 
dead  altogether." 

The  rich  man  asked  Pat's  address,  ordered  his 
car  and  went  to  see  the  burial  of  all  Pat  held 
dear.  A  fond,  hearty  hand-clasp  lightened  the 
burdens  of  both  men.  There  arose  a  friendship 
that  brought  back  to  the  rich  man  faith  in  his 
fellow  man,  health  to  his  body,  and  joy  to  his 
spirit. 

It  is  just  one  of  the  little  things,  the  taking 
time  to  say  ^^ Howdy,  How  be  ye?"  that  makes 
life  move  more  easily  over  the  cobblestones. 

INGERSOLL:     ''Nature  is  without  passion." 

LOTUS:  Nature  covers  a  broad  area.  God  is 
a  Supreme  force,  a  Divine  whole,  that  includes 
passion.  God  is  in  all  nature;  where  God  is, 
there  is  intelligence.  There  are  two  kinds  of 
passion;  sensual  and  spiritual.  The  love  of  God 
for  the  children  of  men  is  a  passionate  appeal 
for  all  that  is  good  and  noble;  hence  it  is 
spiritual    passion.     Again,   there    is    the    Divine 


110  FACE  TO  FACE 

Passion  of  the  Cross,  upon  whicli  is  the  imprint 
of  supreme  sacrifice. 

In  times  of  material  storms,  God  sends  His 
word  through  nature  to  man.  His  Love  knows 
no  time  it  cannot  heal;  it  knows  no  villainous 
crimes;  it  knows  no  reason  but  the  reason  of 
truth ;  it  is  the  only  love  that  will  play  thee  fair. 

Nature's  thrills  are  Holy  communion  to  those 
who  are  pure  in  spirit. 

Let  us  walk  and  talk,  the  sun  is  setting.  The 
western  prairie  is  beautiful  at  this  time.  The 
buifalo-grass  is  curling  fascinatingly;  the  wind 
is  singing  a  soft  refrain  through  the  windmill  in 
yonder  pasture.  Let  us  go  there  and  walk;  it  is 
to  me  Holy  ground.  Mother's  feet  have  often 
wandered  there,  her  beautiful  thoughts  building 
a  destiny.  Hark!  I  almost  hear  her  step  beside 
me.    She  loved  it  well. 

Ah,  here  we  are,  you  dear  wonderful  little 
sensitive  plant.  DID  YOU  KNOW  it  goes  to 
sleep  at  night!  And,  of  course,  you  have  noticed 
the  closing  of  its  leaves  upon  coming  in  contact 
with  personal  magnetism?  While  we  are  watch- 
ing the  glorious  sunset,  let  us  sit  here  on  the 
grass  and  I  will  carry  you  back  to  June  5, 
1916',  in  this  same  spot.  This  plant  is  the  product 
of  the  plant  I  am  about  to  tell  you  of.  The  sun 
looked  much  the  same,  save  a  storm  was  brewing 
in  the  far  west,  the  copper  colored  clouds  perhaps 
a  little  more  intense  in  their  glory. 

I  was  walking  along  thinking  perhaps  I  had 
better  return  to  the  house,  when  I  heard  a 
rustling  at  my  side.    Fearing  snakes,  I  looked 


WAVES  THAT  COMB  TO  SHORE  111 

down,  to  find  a  meadow-lark  and  her  little  ones 
cuddled  quite  close  to  the  sensitive  plant.  The 
blossoms  were  profuse,  and  I  noticed — with  not  a 
little  astonishment — that  the  lattice-like  leaves  of 
the  plant  did  not  close,  as  was  customary  when 
man  touched  it,  although  the  sweet  scented  yellow 
powder  was  falling  in  profusion  from  the 
blossoms. 

I  looked  apprehensively  at  the  sky,  the 
CLOUDS  were  fast  scattering.  I  did  not  want 
to  frighten  the  birds  by  my  prolonged  visit,  so 
I  sat  down  on  the  grass,  right  where  we  are 
sitting  now,  to  watch.  The  mother  bird  looked 
at  me  inquiringly.  Concluding  I  looked  harmless 
she  flew  away.  I  slid  over  to  the  plant,  thinking 
not  to  disturb  the  little  ones.  Touching  the  plant 
tenderly  every  leaflet  closed  tight.  I  slipped 
back  to  my  former  position  and  waited  for  the 
mother  bird  to  return.  She  did  not  keep  me 
waiting  long;  she  soon  returned  with  a  great 
ado,  and  a  little  food.  To  my  continued  astonish- 
ment, she  busied  herself  about  the  plant,  feeding 
the  little  ones  and  chattering  away;  the  plant 
apparently  enjoying  the  conversation;  not  a  leaf 
closed. 

The  wind  was  rising;  the  tuneful  melody  of 
the  windmill  had  changed  to  a  mournful  sound, 
and  I  wondered  of  the  sins  of  Adam.  Hastily  I 
walked  homeward,  to  meet  my  cheerful  little 
foster  mother  in  the  doorway.  She  had  been 
watching  and  waiting  for  me. 

^^And  what  do  you  think  you  have  been 
doing f  she  said,  as  only  she  could  say  it;  a  soft 


112  FACE   TO  FACE 

little  croon,  that  dispelled  every  bit  of  fear  and 
ADAM'S  SIN. 

I  told  her,  and  she  advised  me  to  visit  the 
plant  daily,  as  she  also  would  be  interested.  I 
went  every  evening  after  that  to  find  pretty 
much  the  same  conditions,  until  one  bright  morn- 
ing mother  called  me  out  to  hear  the  birds 
singing. 

^'DO  YOU  BLAME  MB  FOR  LOVING  IT 
OUT  HERE?''  she  said.  Indeed  I  could  not;  her 
sweet  nature  was  attuned  to  the  song  of  the 
birds;  hers  was  a  passionate  love  for  the  beauti- 
ful, the  sweet,  the  pure. 

^^I  will  go  with  you  this  morning,  dear,  if  you 
do  not  mind." 

Would  I  have  her!  It  was  a  privilege  granted 
few  to  enjoy  her  sweet  presence. 

We  sauntered  along  until  we  came  to  the  grave 
of  an  Indian,  probably  fifty  or  one  hundred 
years  old.  I  said  I  would  like  to  dig  it  up  and 
see  what  it  was  like  inside.  She  laughed  and 
said: 

^^You  gruesome  mischief,  not  while  I  am  with 
you  at  least." 

So  we  sauntered  on,  talking  lazily,  pleasantly, 
with  no  care  in  the  world ;  just  happiness,  content 
and  love.  The  glorious  air  and  sunshine  gave  us 
a  new  lease  on  life.'  We  felt  very  near  God's 
kingdom. 

Presently  I  paused  in  astonishment.  Two 
strange  looking  things  were  sticking  up  over 
my  little  sensitive  plant.  Could  it  be  my  plant 
had   grown   horns   overnight?     Mother   laughed 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  113 

heartily  and  sat  down  on  a  wagon  tongue  wMle 
I  went  to  see  what  these  strange  things  were.  A 
rabbit  scurried  away  at  my  approach.  I  grieved 
as  I  looked,  for  my  little  birds  had  flown.  The 
rabbit  scurried  back  to  the  protection  of  the 
sensitive  plant;  again  the  leaves  did  not  move. 

We  chatted  cheerfully  on,  discussing  the 
possibilities  of  plant  paralysis.  The  day  passed 
pleasantly  for  us  both ;  we  returned  to  our  churn- 
ing and  bread  making  with  new  vigor;  mother 
and  I  were  chums. 

The  next  day  I  went  again  to  see  my  plant.  I 
lay  quietly  down  on  the  grass,  right  where  you 
are  now  sitting.  A  little  calf  grazed  near;  the 
leaves  closed  when  the  calf  brushed  by.  I  lay 
with  my  hands  under  my  head  watching,  waiting 
for  something,  I  knew  not  what;  content  just  to 
live  and  dream,  when  I  felt  something  moving 
over  my  limbs.  Although  nearly  paralyzed  with 
fear,  I  lay  quite  still  while  a  big  harmless  bull- 
snake  trailed  its  length  over  my  body.  As  it 
swept  along  the  prairie  I  forgot  to  be  longer 
frightened.  I  was  eager  to  see  what  the  little 
plant  would  do  when  the  reptile  touched  it.  I  was 
not  kept  waiting;  every  leaf  closed  tight.  The 
seeming  loathing  of  the  plant  aroused  my  own 
loathing,  and  I  sprang  to  my  feet  and  away. 

Not  caring  to  tell  mother  of  my  unhappy 
experience,  I  sat  dreaming  while  she  went  out  to 
gather  the  eggs.  When  she  returned  she  was 
quite  pale;  sitting  down  beside  me  without  a 
word,  resting  her  head  in  her  hands. 

By  and  by  I  said  gently:  **What  is  it,  Muzzie?" 


114  FACE  TO  FACE 

**Well,  dear,  I  went  to  put  my  hand  in  a 
chicken  nest  in  the  barn,  and  I  almost  touched  a 
big  snake  all  curled  up  on  the  eggs.'* 

I  told  her  of  my  own  experience,  and  with  the 
humor  mother  always  displayed  when  one  was 
least  expecting  it,  said: 

**We  must  be  poor  metaphysicians.  Professor 
Hobson  says:  *You  are  not  a  metaphysician  until 
you  can  caress  a  snake  without  fear/  " 

*^Not  quite,  Muzzie,''  I  said.  *^I  admit  I  had  a 
good  supply  of  fear.'' 

Her  little  black  eyes  shone  as  she  laughingly 
looked  up. 

**And  I,  too;  Bonnie  can  hunt  the  eggs  after 
this.'' 

Mother  picked  up  her  Bible,  the  one  from 
which  I  now  quote  to  you,  and  read  aloud: 

**Let  the  Heavens  be  glad,  let  the  earth  rejoice, 
and  let  MAN  SAY:  THE  LORD  IS  RISEN. 
LET  THE  SEA  ROAR,  AND  THE  FULLNESS 
THEREOF;  let  the  field  rejoice  and  all  that  is 
THEREIN.  THEN  SHALL  THE  TREES  OF 
THE  WOOD  SING  OUT  AT  THE  PRESENCE 
OF  THE  LORD  BECAUSE  HE  COMES  TO 
JUDGE  THE  EARTH."  Then  her  voice,  quiv- 
ering with  truth  in  it,  said: 

^^ALL  THE  WORLD  LOVES  LOVE." 

The  passionate  protest  of  this  little  plant  to 
be  free  from  personal  contact,  appeals  to  me  as 
nothing  of  the  kind  has  ever  done.  Why,  this 
plant  is  a  supersensitive!  To  be  supersensitive, 
I  said,  is  to  be  passionately  keen;  this  is  truly 
nature's  passion. 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  115 

Mother  again  quoted:  ^^IT  WAS  A  FOOL 
THAT  SAID  THERE  IS  NO  GOD/'  and  then, 
**0h,  can  you  not  feel  the  heart-throb  of  God  in 
nature?'* 

Mother  was  very  happy  in  her  nature  studies ; 
she  was  such  a  great  part  of  nature  herself;  she 
dared  to  think,  and  she  dared  to  think  IN  THE 
NAME  OF  JESUS.  Now,  dear  one,  the  sun  has 
set,  and  I  have  lost  to  mortal  eye  my  chum;  and 
yet,  do  we  abide  together  still  in  the  shadow  of 
the  ALMIGHTY. 

Her  name  was  Lydia — To  me  it  has  the  sound 
of  some  ancient  aeolian  harp  that  tinkles  its  way 
into  the  very  recess  of  my  soul,  leaving  its 
harmony,  and  then  away. 

A  SOFT  AND  SWEET  REFRAIN 
It  was  a  glorified  porch  was  mother's  porch, 
While  we  watched  the  sun  go  down. 
Her  love  shone  bright  like  a  beacon  torch. 
While  we  watched  the  sun  go  down. 
We  sat  in  silence,  too  sweet  for  words. 
While  we  watched  the  sun  go  down. 
Just  listening  to  the  song  of  the  birds, 
While  we  watched  the  sun  go  down. 
Her  eyes  were  soft  as  she  looked  aloft. 
While  we  watched  the  sun  go  down. 
Her  spirit  slipped  out  one  beautiful  night, 
While  we  watched  the  sun  go  down; 
Just  as  the  stars  slip  out  of  sight. 
While  we  watched  the  sun  go  down. 
TO  RISE  again  in  soft  and  sweet  refrain, 
BECKONING  US  TO  HER  PORCH  AGAIN. 


116  FACE  TO  FACE 

It  is  impossible  for  me  not  to  reach  the  very 
center  of  truth  within  my  being  when  I  behold 
the  glory  of  God^s  harmony  within  all  things 
that  He  hath  created.  There  is  a  whispering 
accent  returned  to  me,  that  speaks  the  God  in 
them;  the  great  Divine;  the  love  and  trnth  that 
implies  the  VEEY  SUBSTANCE  OF  HIS 
WILL,  the  materialized  power  of  the  spoken 
word. 

Take,  for  instance,  the  emblem  of  our  country 
— our  flag,  with  its  stars  and  stripes.  Take  the 
method  by  which  it  was  made,  and  then  the 
great  principle  that  stands  behind  it ;  and,  if  you 
will,  declare  its  power.  It  is,  after  all,  merely 
following  in  His  footsteps.  Have  we  not  created 
a  great  principle  and  made  an  emblem  we  deem 
fit  to  enthrall  that  principle?  We  think  nothing 
is  as  beautiful  as  our  flag;  we  live  for  it,  we  die 
for  it,  we  love  it.  The  Garden  of  God  is  His 
flag.  The  great  woods  whisper  His  power.  The 
Heavens  declare  His  promise.  Man  is  glorified 
in  His  likeness  and  image.  Behold  the  Son  of 
everlasting  life. 

God  gave  to  us  a  theme  by  which  we  might  be 
enabled  to  fathom  the  DEPTHS  of  beauty  in 
nature.  Nature's  beauty  imbibed  is  LIFE. 
When  we  learn  to  absorb  the  beautiful,  we 
consume,  not  only  by  inhaling  the  essence,  but 
absorb  through  every  pore  of  our  body  the 
beautiful  life-giving  qualities.  The  substance 
meeting  the  required  needs  of  the  body,  that 
enabled  pure  spirit  to  *Hake  hold''  and  manifest 
itself  in  body  and  soul  to  the  edifying  of  man. 


WAVES  THAT  COMB  TO  SHORE  117 

It  is  in  fact  none  other  than  opening  the  soul  to 
the  Divine  inflow,  love  and  truth,  in  which  all 
things  beautiful  exist.  It  seems  to  me  were  we 
to  take  as  patterns  the  flowers  of  the  world,  and 
lay  them  before  us,  as  we  do  any  plan  or  chart 
by  which  we  hoped  to  accomplish  something  of 
true  worth  and  beauty,  and  apply  the  beautiful, 
the  natural,  we  would  come  nearer  perfecting 
that  which  God  intended  should  be  perfected 
within  man,  giving  the  life  forces  a  natural  out- 
let, and  a  natural  intake. 

Take  for  example,  the  various  flowers  and 
plants;  the  delicate  and  beautiful;  the  more 
sturdy,  strong  and  coarse;  it  (takes  them  both 
to  complete  a  happy  medium.  We  must  have  the 
strong  as  well  as  the  weak,  the  coarser  as  well 
as  the  finer.  Too  much  weakness  dulls  our 
senses,  too  much  fragrance  sickens,  too  much 
strength  overcomes  the  finer  senses.  And  so  God 
in  His  infinite  wisdom  has  blended  the  whole 
universe  into  one  perfect  whole.  When  man  fails 
to  attune  himself  naturally,  he  has  only  the  shell 
and  not  the  substance.  A  happy  medium  is 
blending  spirit  with  spirit.  By  so  doing,  the 
weak  are  made  strong,  and  the  strong  refined.    • 

We  live  in  the  heart  of  the  city  but  we  have  a 
beautiful  lawn.  The  trees  are  calling.  It  has 
rained,  the  flowers  are  waving  in  appreciation; 
the  soft  raindrops  have  been  absorbed  by  them, 
and  they  are  GLAD.  A  bee  is  humming  happily 
around  them,  drinking  in  the  sweetness,  sipping 
the  nectar,  that  by  and  by  finds  its  way  to  our 
tea  table. 


118  FACE  TO  FACE 

We  have  found  the  supreme  law  of  giving  and 
taking,  of  wage  and  labor.  We,  too,  taste  the 
sweetness  that  is  not  only  sweetness,  but  the 
great  art  and  poetry  of  soul  co-mingling  with 
the  Divine.  We  have  absorbed  the  GLOEY  of 
God,  the  beauty  and  fragrance  of  Heaven.  We 
go  forth  in  the  shadows  of  peace;  we  relax; 
WHY?  Because  our  being  is  FILLED  WITH 
THE  WONDERFUL  LIFE-GIVING  GIFT  OF 
SPIRIT.  We  have  been  enabled  to  realize  the 
resting  qualities  in  nature,  of  nature.  Oh,  it  is 
wonderful!  this  calm,  peace  and  blaze  of  glory 
that  sweeps  us  from  the  arms  of  the  carnal  into 
the  great  open  fields  of  spirit.  We  stretch  our 
length  upon  the  grass.  Heaven  smiles.  We  look 
wonderingly  at  an  aeroplane  sweeping  over  our 
heads,  we  marvel  at  the  progression  of  man,  and 
then  again,  recall  the  flight  of  man  to  the  realms 
of  nature  for  his  pattern. 

The  dew  is  falling,  still  we  linger.  The  angels 
are  studding  the  flowers  with  diamonds  that  will 
glitter  in  the  moonlight,  beckoning  again  to  man, 
a  pattern  in  nature,  in  art,  in  thought,  a  poem  in 
spirit,  a  grand  reality. 

We  turn  regretfully  and  enter  our  dwelling; 
mechanically  our  hand  falls  upon  the  switch;  the 
light  declares  the  comforts  of  HOME.  We  are 
able  to  greet  the  members  of  our  family  with  a 
better  understanding;  for  has  not  nature  whis- 
pered the  truth,  oh,  ever  so  softly,  while  we  lay 
so  close  to  its  heart?  The  co-mingling  of  the 
strong  and  the  weak  have  taught  us  to  harmonize. 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  119 

The  beauty  has  taught  us  the  ecstasy  of  spirit; 
the  Peace  has  taught  us  exultation  of  soul. 

The  curfew  woos  us  to  our  chambers;  but 
somehow  tonight  we  do  not  care  for  artificial 
light;  we  raise  our  blinds;  the  shadows  of  the 
trees  shut  from  our  view  the  diamond  studded 
flowers;  but  we  are  content,  we  KNOW  they  are 
there.  A  Bar  of  light  shows  us  two,  yea,  lovers. 
They,  too,  have  caught  the  harmony.  All  nature 
is  singing  love,  the  redeeming  theme  in  life.  We 
fall  upon  our  knees  in  thanksgiving. 

The  picture  has  passed,  but  the  fragrance 
remains  that  came  through  the  lattice-work, 
blending  with  the  shadows  on  the  wall.  Again 
was  nature  working  in  high  lights  and  shadows; 
Divine  love  that  bedews  our  flowers  with 
diamonds  and  calls  forth  a  responding  chord  in 
the  hearts  of  youth. 

We  wander  once  again  to  our  window;  our 
prayers  are  said.  Will  we  find  the  answer  there, 
in  the  heart  of  nature? 

A  stream  of  light  floods  across  our  vision  from 
a  neighboring  window.  Behold!  There  were 
other  loves;  two  gray  heads  were  bending  close 
over  the  form  of  their  FIRST  GRANDCHILD. 
A  stately  young  man  held  to  his  breast  his  love — 
his  pain-racked  keepsake — as  he  murmured  in  her 
ear  words  of  endearment.  The  door  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  room  closed  softly.  Some- 
where beneath  gay  laughter  came  from  the 
servants'  quarters:  ^^A  boy,  ha,  ha!**  A  car 
whizzed  by;  a  nurse  crossed  the  room  and  gently 


120  FACE  TO  FACE 

drew  the  blinds.  But  the  light  still  shines,  all  is 
well  for  GOD  IS  IN  IT. 

We  look  thankfully  at  the  heavens,  the  stars 
are  gleaming,  yea,  there  is  one  brighter  than  the 
rest ;  a  soul  is  born  in  the  world  of  things. 

Our  pillow  feels  so  downy;  we  have  absorbed 
the  beautiful,  and  more — the  source  of  the 
beautiful.  With  the  rising  sun  we  go  forth  in 
greater  understanding,  for  it  is  the  dawning  of 
a  greater  day.  This  is  absorbing  life,  as  the 
flowers  of  greater  and  lesser  beauty  do,  as  the 
natural  always  does. 

Flowers  are  like  children,  like  kings  and 
queens,  like  maid  and  man,  so  royally  do  they 
serve  us.  That  flowers  have  feeling,  is  without 
doubt.  Environment  has  great  effect  upon  their 
sensitive  natures.  An  indifferent  tiller  never 
harvests  enough  to  pay  his  thrashers.  Again  we 
see  there  must  be  a  co-mingling  of  the  strong 
and  the  weak,  that  the  lesser  may  become  strong, 
and  the  strong  filled  with  the  essence  of  HIS 
DIVINE  LOVE;  hence  evolving  all. 

In  the  fathomless  depths  of  Infinite  wisdom  we 
find  the  substance  that  harbors  the  great. 

Beyond  the  eaves  there  whispers  a  lullaby 
that  is  sung  by  all  nature.  Its  theme  is  LIFE.  It 
knows  not  death  but  resurrection.  It  harbors  the 
wee  small  voice,  though  man  recognizes  it  not; 
but  God  dwelleth  in  all. 

Man  looks  to  nature  for  health,  for  the 
righting  of  things  gone  wrong,  and  yet  he 
neglects  to  seek  the  knowledge  of  what  nature 
REALLY  IS;  what  its  SUBSTANCE  IS;  what 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  121 

it  is  BUILT  ON.  To  reap  full  benefits  from 
anything  is  to  understand  the  nature  of  it,  the 
source  from  whence  it  comes. 

Nature  heals,  God  reveals  the  knowledge  and 
the  power.  To  work  with  nature  is  to  bring 
forth,  not  only  the  best  results  FROM  NATURE; 
but  it  develops  in  man  a  greater  intelligence,  a 
greater  understanding  of  himself.  Constant 
attunement  with  the  forces  governing  the 
universe  quickens  Divine  will  in  man,  bringing 
forth  that  which  man  chooses  to  term  miracles, 
when  in  fact,  it  is  but  the  NATURAL  man,  the 
Divine  in  man  expressing  his  inheritance. 

The  greatest  characters  I  have  ever  known 
were  those  who  have  attuned  themselves  to 
nature  and  its  wonderful  play  through  the 
Divine.  When  men  call  their  flowers  **  little 
people'';  when  they  speak  of  them,  to  them,  in 
flower  language,  it  takes  no  psychic  to  see  the 
quick  response  in  perfect  growth.  The  little 
flower  intelligences  have  certain  vibrations  all 
their  own.  They  absorb  love,  returning  it  again 
to  man  in  the  expression  of  beauty  and  fragrance. 

To  become  attuned  to  FLOWER  VIBRA- 
TIONS is  to  create  in  our  aura,  as  it  were,  a 
wonderful  spiritual  sense  by  the  extreme  attune- 
ment; or,  I  should  say,  by  coming  in  tune  with 
the  beautiful  flower  vibrations,  man  becomes  as 
the  angels  of  heaven  in  the  refinement  of  nature 's 
melody,  perfect  harmony,  or  **in  tune  with  the 
Infinite."  And  God  said:  ^^Let  there  be  Light,'' 
the  first  note  sung  in  the  heart  of  nature. 

We  become  soul  reapers  when  we  are  attuned. 


122  FACE  TO  FACE 

Longfellow  was  a  soul  reaper.  He  gathered 
souls  into  the  kingdom  through  his  wonderful 
understanding  and  love  of  nature. 

A  soul  reaper  has  a  twofold  meaning:  First, 
we  reap  unto  our  own  souls,  the  wealth  and 
beauty  that  enlivens  the  soul  in  pure  spirit;  and 
then,  reap  unto  the  kingdom  souls  that  might 
never  have  been  reached  through  any  other 
channel.  It  takes  just  such  exquisite  beauty  of 
soul  to  appreciate  the  Bible.  Refinement  of  soul 
lieth  first  in  harmony  within;  like  the  petals  of 
a  rose,  falling  within  other  souls  so  gently,  so 
sweetly,  so  naturally,  they  unconsciously  follow 
the  sweet  strains. 

It  is  through  soul  harmony  that  God  revealeth 
Himself  to  man.  Listen!  The  murmur  of  the 
earth  sounds  far  away  and  strange  to  thee?  Why 
so,  hath  God  not  said,  ^^I  AM  with  you  always, 
even  unto  the  end  of  the  earth''?  This  means  I 
AM  with  you  always;  in  all  things  abideth  the 
Divine;  the  creation  of  His  will;  the  reflection — 
of  the  spoken  word. 

Is  it  strange,  then,  that  the  earth  should  mur- 
mur in  the  ears  of  those  attuned  to  hear  the 
truth  in  it,  when  the  Divine  compels  wisdom, 
knowledge  and  joy? 

When  we  hear  music  we  LIVE  it  for  the  time. 
Its  vibrating  strains  are  too  full  of  SOUL  to 
speak  of  lightly.  A  happy  little  rhythm  may 
send  Joy  bounding  through  our  being  until  it 
becomes  a  LIVING  SONG;  or  perchance  some 
deep  soulful  strain  has  sounded  within  that 
belongs  to  SELF  ALONE.  It  is  then,  man  meets 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  123 

his  SOUL  in  the  great  EEALMS  OF  UNDER- 
STANDING. Flower  vibrations  are  like  that— 
they  awake  within  some  sweet  harmony  that  is 
closest  of  kin  to  music  of  the  spheres.  When 
these  two  meet  in  the  realms  of  love,  it  would 
seem  for  the  time,  that  man  has  lost  the  ways  of 
the  world,  realizing  only  the  BEAUTIFUL,  the 
SUBLIME. 

It  is  necessary  to  CULTIVATE  flower  vibra- 
tions as  we  study  music,  would  we  reap  the 
Divine  sense  of  His  presence  in  ALL  THINGS; 
to  our  edifying.  There  are  moments  when  some 
popular  songs  of  the  day  appeal  to  our  mood; 
and  there  are  days  when  we  reach  beyond  these, 
to  the  ripple  and  rhythm  that  overflows  the 
banks  of  earthly  things;  and  we  sail  to  realms 
wherein  we  bare  the  SOUL  to  ITS  CREATOR. 
It  is  then  we  seek  the  WAYS  of  the  Infinite. 
When  we  find  the  real  rejoicing  we  seek  to 
cultivate  the  finer.  We  thus  infuse  within  the 
soul  the  rythm  that  becomes  a  great  symphony 
of  culture.  It  brings  within  the  realms  of 
DAILY  LIFE,  the  infallible  principle  so  neces- 
sary to  culture;  to  refined  ideals  that  eventually 
swell  to  rhythmic  waves  of  purpose;  achieve- 
ments that  go  far  beyond  the  ordinary.  Then 
we  begin  to  catch  and  hold  flower  vibrations  as 
we  hold  the  strains  of  music. 

SOME  are  filled  with  the  beautiful  waves  of 
reality,  or,  perhaps,  I  should  say,  ADJUST- 
MENT, from  birth;  others  have  to  cultivate  the 
real,  the  highest,  the  best,  by  a  careful  schooling 
in  the  laws  of  attunement.   The  best  tutor  is  co- 


124  FACE  TO  FACE 

mingling  with  art,  poetry  and  books  of  the  world, 
not  forgetting  that  the  SUBSTANCE  of  these 
is  the  studied  reflection  of  nature  and  the  soul. 
Flower  vibrations  embrace  all  of  these,  and 
more.  As  time  goes  on,  constant  attunement 
sends  its  vibrating  force  through  the  being  of 
man,  on  out  into  the  world  of  men  and  things, 
finding  repose  in  nature.  The  rebounding  effect 
of  supreme  happiness  upon  this  plane  of  life  is 
gratified  purpose.  Man  thus  finds  His  likeness 
and  image,  finds  how  to  express  it,  how  to  reap 
the  most  from  it,  how  to  LIVE  as  man  was 
supposed  to  live.  Hence  we  have  a  little  bit  of 
heaven  here — and  now ;  a  little  idea  of  what  spirit 
means  to  man,  and  WILL  mean.  It  is  getting  in 
tune  with  nature,  and  the  soul. 

Little  flowers  whisper  to  me  of  things :  of  love, 
of  peace,  of  war,  of  tragedy,  in  the  world  of  men. 
I  stooped  to  pluck  a  little  weed  flower  that  grew 
by  the  wayside;  it  was  beautiful  in  its  pastel 
loveliness.  I  held  it  tight,  while  it  told  me  the 
story  of  its  life.  ^  *  I  am  here, ' '  it  said ;  *  *  just  how 
I  came  I  do  not  exactly  know,  but  I  am  here, 
and  I  have  met  YOU.  Some  folks  pass  me  by, 
they  do  not  care  for  such  as  I,  while  others  look 
and  find  something  to  admire. ' ' 

^^NO  WONDER !''  I  cried,  ^Hhou  art  the  re- 
flection of  yon  mountain — ^the  gray  green  of  thy 
leaves,  the  purple  like  flower,  the  tiny  little  cen- 
ter, just  peeping  like  the  sun  o'er  its  top.  Be 
glad,  little  flower,  be  glad.'' 

**Aye,  verily,"  answered  the  little  flower  weed; 
*'we,  too,  have  our  mission.    Yesterday  there  was 


WAVES  THAT  COMB  TO  SHORE  125 

a  dreadful  tragedy  right  here  close  to  me;  men 
were  hurt,  and  SOME  died.  We  do  not  like 
to  see  that,  for  we  are  the  high  lights  in  the 
Garden  of  God.  Though  we  see  tragedies  and 
suffer  from  their  vibrations,  we  must  not  take 
the  time  to  think  of  them,  for  we  have  such  a 
little  time  to  live  and  so  much  to  do,  we  have  no 
time  to  grieve.'' 

The  starry  night  covers  the  trail  of  tragedy; 
the  day  dawns  bright  and  clear ;  so  we  must  live 
on  till  frost  and  time  hide  us  from  the  world  of 
men.  But  WE  really — or  our  substance — goes 
on,  for  does  not  the  Good  Book  say:  **God  giveth 
to  ALL  life,  eternal  life''?  It  does  not  say  to 
men  alone,  but  to  ALL,  and  that  is  how  I  know 
we  have  our  ethereal  correspondent. 

The  odor  of  weeds  had  always  been  repulsive 
to  me,  but  now  I  hold  them  tight,  I  do  not  notice 
the  scent  as  strong,  but  pleasing.  New  mown 
hay  reposing  in  the  fields  near  by,  blessed  the 
thought,  and  I  was  glad :  I  had  been  taught  how 
to  cultivate  a  sense  until  it  became  a  blessing. 
So,  my  friend,  let  it  be;  let  it  be  by  the  road 
side  that  it  may  gladden  passers  by,  and  the 
hearts  of  those  who  are  attuned  to  meet  it.  Like 
children,  they  must  be  made  to  obey.  We  can- 
not let  them  play  in  our  gardens,  lest  they 
trample  our  lilies,  you  know.  But,  there  is 
a  time  and  a  PLACE  FOR  EVERYTHING 
UNDER  THE  HEAVENS. 

Weeds  consume  corruption  in  the  air;  the 
stigma  of  the  impure  is  absorbed  by  the  sub- 


126  FACE  TO  FACE 

stance  that  the  weeds  hold  within  their  meshes; 
this  substance  is  the  CAUSE  of  the  strong  odor, 
and  should  be  held  sacred  by  mankind.  The 
little  spider  that  weaves  among  its  leaves  im- 
bibes microbes,  and  the  way  of  man  is  made  more 
safe.  Contrary  to  the  belief  that  weeds  are 
dangerous,  I  affirm  they  are  dangerous  only  when 
coming  in  contact  with  the  filth  of  earth  in  which 
malaria  breeds.  The  mosquito  thrives  on  weeds 
in  marshes,  because  the  power  of  substance  in 
marsh  weeds  is  less  powerful  to  absorb  impurities ; 
hence — malaria. 

Not  one  thing  is  without  some  beauty;  not  one 
thing  absolutely  useless,  worthless.  Cultivate 
the  little  vibrations  of  love  that  abideth  in  them 
until  they  call  forth  a  perfume  sweet  and  holy. 
^*And  thou  shalt  make  it  a  perfume,  a  confection, 
after  the  art  of  the  apothecary,  tempered  to- 
gether, pure  and  holy.  And  thou  shalt  beat 
SOME  of  it  very  small,  and  put  of  it  before  the 
testimony  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
where  I  WILL  MEET  WITH  THEE:  it  shall 
be  unto  you  most  holy."  A  perfume  of  nature 
and  the  soul,  thus  sending  before  us  the  beautiful 
rhythm  of  life,  the  incense  of  attunement.  How 
can  man  help  but  glean  the  fullness  thereof? 

0  little  flower  vibrations,  we  have  caught  your 
secret ;  we  can  meet  you  fair,  and  profit  with  all. 
You  have  a  place  within  our  soul,  within  our 
life,  making  more  verdant,  more  fertile,  the 
earth,  that  the  harvest  may  be  plentiful. 

INGERSOLL:  ^*In  nature  I  seem  to  see  good 
and    evil,   intelligence   and   ignorance,   goodness 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  127 

and  cruelty,  care  and  carelessness,  economy  and 
waste.  I  see  means  that  do  not  accomplish  their 
ends,  designs  that  seem  to  fail.  To  me  it  seems 
infinitely  cruel  for  life  to  feed  on  life,  to  create 
animals  to  be  devoured  by  others.  The  teeth 
and  fangs  and  claws  that  tear  and  rend  fill  me 
with  horror.  What  can  be  more  frightful  than 
a  world  at  war?  Murder  universal  everywhere; 
pain,  disease  and  death  that  do  not  wait  for  bent 
forms  and  gray  hair. 

*^I  know  that  life  is  good.  I  remember  the  sun- 
shine and  rain;  then  I  think  of  the  earthquakes 
and  floods.  I  do  not  forget  the  harvest,  home 
and  love;  but  what  of  the  pestilence  and  famine! 
I  cannot  harmonize  all  these  contradictions,  these 
agonies,  these  blessings,  with  the  existence  of  an 
Infinite  God.  Will  some  orthodox  Christian  ex- 
plain these  things?'^ 

LOTUS:  Man  was  placed  in  the  Garden  of 
Eden  a  perfect  being;  was  driven  from  the  gar- 
den because  of  his  sin;  yet  was  he  clothed  in  the 
garments  of  care  and  love.  The  balance  in  the 
scales  of  life  must  swing  pound  for  pound.  What 
would  life  be  upon  this  plane  if  we  had  no  sor- 
rows, no  cares?  It  would  be  heaven.  Man  denied 
heaven  in  the  Garden  of  Eden;  he  wanted  the 
sins  of  the  world,  and  he  got  them,  and  the  con- 
sequences of  them. 

Truth  begets  truth,  and  love  begets  mercy; 
mercy  begets  the  essential  to  the  future  of  man 
—HARMONY  WITH  INFINITE  INTELLI- 
GENCE— ^in  it  is  no  death  at  all.  When  man- 
kind becomes  in  tune  with  the  harmony  of  the 


128  FACE  TO  FACE 

Divine,  there  will  be  a  change  which  will  illumi- 
nate the  carnal  sense  and  obliterate  the  hold  it 
has  on  men.  Then  will  Christ  return  to  live  in 
the  hearts  of  men.  There  is  no  horror  equal  to 
an  untethered  carnal  sense.  This  horror  of  hor- 
rors weighs  heavily  in  the  scales  of  time,  with 
no  profit  to  the  consumer,  and  less  to  the  pro- 
ducer. 

Man  must  change  before  he  can  hope  to  change 
the  lesser  intelligences.  Darwin  caught  the  notes 
but  left  the  melody  unsung.  Man  is  kin  to  nature, 
to  all  in  nature,  but  NOT  ITS  OFFSPRING. 
When  we  sing,  we  are  as  the  birds;  when  we 
whine,  as  a  cat ;  when  we  fear,  as  the  hare ;  when 
we  hate  we  devour,  as  do  the  wild  beasts.  When 
we  fondle  our  young,  we  are  expressing  what  all 
nature  has  expressed  from  the  days  when  God 
said:  **Adam,  Adam,  where  art  thouT'  When 
we  love,  we  are  beginning  where  God  began  in 
the  Garden  of  Eden,  to  show  the  TRUE  WORTH 
OF  LOVE.  When  we  love,  we  are  expressing 
the  Divine  within  that  flows  through  all  nature 
alike;  therein  lieth  the  kinship. 

But  man  was  BORN  OF  GOD.  Man  is  not 
only  the  materialized  spoken  word,  but  God  made 
him  in  His  likeness  and  Image,  thus  man  is  a 
superior  being.  God  expects  more  of  man  than 
he  does  of  beast.  He  expects  him  to  be  a  LIV- 
ING LIGHT ;  a  living,  loving  truth,  before  these 
creatures,  that  the  lesser  intelligences  may  de- 
velop to  greater  heights  and  more  noble  lives. 
We  ofttimes  say.  Wonderful  lion,  how  noble,  how 
beautiful!      True,    he    is    noble    in    appearance. 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  129 

Where  there  is  appearance  there  is  SOME- 
THING back  of  it  that  proclaims  a  fact,  whether 
it  be  seemingly  submerged  in  habit  that  would 
declare  the  contrary  or  not. 

Within  the  walls  of  greater  intelligences,  there 
has  been  for  countless  ages  a  slumbering  desire 
to  bring  into  our  homes  some  animal  that  may 
be  of  service,  or  domesticated  pets.  This  in  it- 
self proclaims  kinship,  for  God  worketh  in  all 
things.  As  the  Divine  dwelleth  in  all,  there  is 
bound  to  be  a  bond  that  cannot  be  severed ;  hence 
from  the  beginning  we  have  longed  for  that 
which  was  our  own.  In  this  great  Academy  of 
Fine  Arts,  as  it  were,  we  find  were  we  to  live 
a  thousand  years  we  could  get  little  farther  than 
the  first  grade,  so  immense  is  the  subject  which 
God  has  set  before  us  to  solve  in  the  lesser  intel- 
ligences. 

Take  for  example  music,  and  its  effect  on  va- 
rious animals.  What  is  that  but  harmony  attuned 
to  meet  harmony?  Again  we  find  the  Divine 
seemingly  slumbering,  waiting  to  be  called  forth 
in  these  lesser  intelligences.  A  seal  will  balance 
a  ball  on  the  end  of  its  nose  to  the  time  of  music, 
seemingly  much  ** peeved"  if  the  ball  goes  a  bit 
awry  of  the  music.  A  horse  will  prance  beauti- 
fully, expressing  grace,  rhyme  and  rhythm,  in 
every  move.  Once  I  knew  two  plow  horses, 
heavy  and  large,  that  when  hitched  to  a  plow 
and  brought  to  mother's  rose  garden  in  which 
she  had  placed  a  phonograph,  danced  as  merrily, 
as  happily,  as  horses  of  finer  build.  The  plow- 
ing done,  the  horses   looked  regretfully  at  the 


130  FACE  TO  FACE 

porch,  where  the  turkeys  gathered,  flapping  their 
wings  in  appreciation  of  the  music.  And  right 
here,  if  you  have  never  watched  the  effect  of 
band  music  on  a  turkey,  just  do ;  it  will  give  you 
pleasure.  Do  not,  however,  let  them  know  for 
one  moment  that  you  are  watching  them;  they 
resent  this. 

Is  it  not  a  natural  thought  of  mine  to  declare 
Mother's  porch  a  GLOKIFIED  PORCH,  where 
we  wandered  arm  in  arm,  heart  to  heart,  in  the 
wonderful  fields  of  lesser  intelligences?  Would 
you  not  think  it  a  GLORIFIED  PORCH? 

A  bird  will  sing  the  louder  when  music  is 
played.  All  nature  raises  its  voice  and  proclaims 
its  maker.  Heaven  smiles  upon  the  creatures 
that  rend  and  tear  just  as  it  smiles  on  us ;  the 
stars  gleam,  and  the  wee  small  voice  whispers 
sweet  things  in  their  ears  in  a  language  they  can 
understand. 

^'But  ask  now  the  beasts,  and  they  shall 
teach  thee ;  and  the  fowls  of  the  air,  and  they 
shall  tell  thee.  Or  speak  to  the  earth,  and 
it  shall  teach  thee;  and  the  fishes  of  the  sea 
shall  declare  unto  thee.  Who  knoweth  not 
in  all  these  the  hand  of  the  Lord  hath 
wrought  this?  In  whose  hand  IS  THE 
SOUL  OF  EVERY  LIVING  THING,  and 
the  breath  of  all  mankind.''  ^^For  thou 
shalt  be  in  league  with  the  stones  of  the  field, 
and  the  beasts  of  the  field  shall  be  at  peace 
with  thee." 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  131 

It  is  a  great  theme  in  which  to  work.  It  is 
our  own  experiences  that  compel  a  greater  under- 
standing. Seeing  is  not  enough;  we  must  work 
through  that  seeing,  beyond  that  seeing,  until 
not  only  our  vision  is  clear,  but  our  understand- 
ing of  it.  The  unfathomable  depths  of  cause  and 
effect  was  never  more  in  evidence  than  in  the 
greater  and  lesser  intelligences. 

A  throb  of  happiness  springs  in  my  breast, 
When  I  see  a  man  in  his  Sunday  best 
Stoop  to  caress  a  wounded  one, 
E'en  though  his  frills  be  all  undone. 

Tender  hearts  will  quicken  and  be  glad  when 
man  accepts  the  power  given  him  from  on  high 
to  quicken  into  active  principles  the  Divine  de- 
sire (Will)  of  God,  who  has  given  these  lesser 
intelligences  to  the  world  that  the  great  may 
work  to  the  salvation  of  the  many  with  unre- 
stricted loyalty  to  His  purpose;  hence  educating 
spirit  in  man,  ennobling  it,  that  it  may  enter  the 
exalted  state  of  pure  spirit  in  spirit.  Mankind 
does  not  know  what  eloquent  though  silent  com- 
panionship hovers  near,  until  he  has  frightened 
away  the  bird  that  has  been  hovering  about,  ac- 
cepting the  crumbs  wantonly  thrown  away. 

Lesser  intelligences  are  as  capable  of  under- 
standing love  as  is  mankind.  The  fact  is,  they 
apply  it  more  naturally  than  does  man. 

Nature  speaks  to  man  in  a  primeval  way,  be- 
cause man  has  not  learned  to  meet  it  any  other 
way.    There  are  many  ways  of  speaking  without 


132  FACE  TO  FACE 

voicing.  As  mankind  becomes  in  tune  with  crea- 
tures of  lesser  intelligences,  a  greater  under- 
standing will  spring  up  between  them.  As  we 
drift  (I  should  say  stumble)  through  the  lesser 
intelligences  it  becomes  almost  unbelievable,  that 
is,  the  AMOUNT  of  intelligence  that  meets  us 
more  than  half  way  in  our  attempt  to  fathom  the 
mysteries  that  enshroud  their  silent  but  potent 
appeal  to  greater  intelligences.  The  God  of  the 
universe  comprehends  the  limitations  of  all  intel- 
ligences and  fathoms  the  SUBSTANCE  in  which 
it  is  enacted.  I  have  watched  the  workings  of 
intelligence  from  a  scientific  standpoint,  and  can 
say  that  they  all  spring  through  the  substance 
of  thought  wells,  or  cells,  into  ACTIVE  REAL- 
ITY in  the  ether,  from  whence  an  abundance  of 
bodily  shapes,  through  which  the  light  or  the 
darkness  (as  the  case  may  be)  is  translated  to 
spirit,  as  works  translate  the  motives,  the  con- 
struction of  things  upon  THIS  plane. 

We  hear  a  lot  about  new  inventions,  creative 
works,  on  this  plane,  but  nothing  is  said  of  what 
is  being  done,  accomplished  or  builded,  by  mortal 
man  in  the  ethereal ;  or  what  these  creative  forces 
sent  into  the  ether  mean  to  those  already  in  the 
ethereal. 

It  is  beyond  description  to  see  the  working 
principles  with  which  man  endeavors  to  reach 
an  ideal.  It  is  invariably  the  case  that  when  one 
is  seeking  an  IDEAL,  that  one  passes  through 
many  changes,  both  in  a  material  and  spiritual 
sense ;  hence  the  ideal  is  bound  to  be  first  worked 


WAVES  THAT  COMB  TO  SHORE  133 

out  in  spirit,  or  etherealized — if  you  will,  and 
then  materialized.  As  these  thought  subjects 
form  in  the  ether,  and  are  first  etherealized,  they 
take  various  and  varied  forms,  according  to  the 
degree  of  thought  of  the  one  creating  it.  When 
the  ideal  is  completed  in  a  spiritual  sense — ethe- 
realized as  it  were — and  then  materialized,  the 
ethereal  will  take  on  new  ACTIVE  principles  in 
the  ether,  and  new  light. 

These  thoughts  are  attached  to  the  material 
body,  creating  the  aura  (or  gauze)  around  the 
one  enacting  them.  So,  my  friend,  it  stands  to 
reason  that  the  more  we  build  our  ideals  after 
the  principle  of  the  Christ,  after  the  perfecting 
of  His  example,  the  more  illumined  our  aura  will 
be,  the  nearer  the  kingdom  we  will  come.  As 
God  is  not  far  from  us  at  any  time,  our  aura  is 
felt,  seen  and  interpreted  by  Him.  The  ever 
watchful  eye  that  sees  the  sparrow's  fall  is  hov- 
ering ever  near  in  the  sense  of  at-one-ment. 

The  more  beautiful  our  aura  the  closer  we 
come  to  our  Saviour  and  our  loved  ones  gone  be- 
fore. The  higher  forces  are  thus  enabled  to 
penetrate  a  beautiful  gauze,  enliven,  quicken,  the 
intelligence  of  mortal  man,  far  more  readily  than 
an  aura  built  wholly  or  partly  on  carnal  sense, 
the  ideal  being  of  lower  or  material  vibrations. 

I  hear  so  much  about  Divine  Intelligence  being 
a  compact  fact,  that  it  has  set  me  to  thinking 
just  how  far  reaching  Divine  Intelligence  in  all 
things  living,  or  in  all  life,  reaches  or  may  reach. 
The  outcome  of  my  thoughts  are  that  Divine  In- 


134  FACE  TO  FACE 

telligence  is  in  all  THINGS  HAVING  LIFE; 
that  is,  that  the  thing  holding  life  ENACTS  the 
Divine.  For  the  world  and  all  therein  was 
FIEST  etherealized  and  then  materialized,  hence 
the  thing  that  retains  life  began  in  the  Divine 
co-operation  of  intelligence  that  flows  from  the 
spoken  word,  THE  WILL  of  God.  All  the  inves- 
tigations I  may  make  only  savor  stronger  and 
stronger  of  the  Divine;  of  the  intelligence 
(spirit)  that  penetrates  and  infuses  itself  into 
substance,  matter,  enacting  the  Divine.  Divinity, 
the  highest  intelligence,  is  enabled  to  flow  freely, 
quicken  and  enact  any  expression  it  may  choose. 
However,  the  brighter  the  light  of  pure  exalted 
conditions  within  substance  (matter)  the  more 
POWEEFULLY  can  the  Divine  work  within  it. 
I  have  watched  so  many  times  the  mother  bird 
hovering  over  her  little  ones  and  cried  in  amaze 
at  the  wisdom,  understanding,  love  and  exulta- 
tion she  expresses  continually,  that  it  brings  to 
my  mind  another  thought — that  of  vibrations 
that  heal,  care  for,  and  protect  all  creatures  who 
are  unable  to  care  for  and  protect  themselves 
beyond  a  certain  point.  The  omnipresent  God 
sends  these  vibrations  into  the  creatures  of 
greater  and  lesser  intelligences.  WE  SAY  na- 
ture heals.  Even  then  do  we  affirm  the  power 
of  God,  for  God  is  personal  by  nature,  a  Divine 
presence,  the  SUBSTANCE  OF  ALL.  All  crea- 
tures have  the  Doctor — that  is,  the  Divine  Doctor 
—LOVE.  When  we  learn  how  to  TAKE  as  well 
as   GIVE,  we   grow  in   soul  power.     When  we 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  135 

learn  to  take  in  meek  and  quiet  spirit  all  that  is 
good  for  ns,  we  are  better  enabled  to  give,  for 
we  have  found  the  value  of  patience,  forbear- 
ance. The  first  law  of  success  in  anything  is 
OBEDIENCE  to  the  wee  small  voice,  the 
prompting  spirit. 

In  years  to  come  perchance  man  may  talk  with 
animals,  the  fowls  of  the  air,  the  fishes  of  the 
sea,  the  creeping  things,  insects.  They  may  rea- 
son with  them,  for  it  IS  NOW.  "We  speak  audi- 
bly or  by  expression  to  our  domestic  animals, 
and  do  so  naturally,  why  not  then  those  we  have 
NOT  domesticated?  Man's  heart  thrills  at  the 
song  of  the  bird,  a  chord  has  been  struck  that 
sends  a  thrill  from  one  to  the  other.  Lo  and 
behold,  God  knoweth! 

A  little  bird  will  sing  a  song,  and  then  perk 
its  head  on  one  side  and  the  other,  looking 
around  to  see  if  we  appreciate  his  song.  When 
we  do,  we  do  not  speak,  do  not  move,  and  thus 
eliminate  fear  in  the  tiny  heart,  and  in  the  great 
silence  the  vibrations  of  love  penetrate  the  intel- 
ligence of  the  bird,  and  he  knows  his  song  is 
appreciated.  It  will  sing  again,  it  will  come  close 
and  look  trustingly  in  your  eyes.  This  is  the 
secret  understanding  in  how  to  meet  the  finer 
senses:  first,  obliterating  fear,  and  then,  bird  or 
whatever  it  may  be,  understanding  you,  fears 
not. 

It  is  the  nature  of  man,  beast,  fish  and  fowl  to 
be  continually  on  the  alert  for  danger.  Do  not 
mistake  this  at  all  times  for  mistrust:  it  is  not 


136  FACE  TO  FACE 

always  so.  By  and  by  when  the  great  under- 
standing Cometh  that  is  builded  on  truth,  there 
will  be  less  to  fear,  and  less  fear  will  be  shown 
for  us.  Universal  love  will  then  send  its  wonder- 
ful vibrations  throughout  the  world,  and  God 
will  appear  to  man.  It  is  a  heavenly  condition 
in  which  we  can  begin  working,  educating  our- 
selves and  the  lesser  intelligences  now.  Oh,  it 
is  wonderful,  this  coming  in  tune  with  God's 
creatures ! 

As  I  sit  here  writing,  a  little  squirrel  is  sitting 
up  in  front  of  me,  evidently  asking  me  whether 
I  intend  to  leave  him  entirely  out  of  my  theme 
or  not.  I  can  assure  you,  squirrelie,  that  I  DO 
NOT,  for  the  blinking  of  your  bright  eyes  proves 
your  intelligence,  and  it  is  Divine,  for  God  gave 
it  you;  it  is  clean  and  wholesome.  Every- 
one who  knows  Chicago  knows  Lincoln  Park; 
to  know  Lincoln  Park  is  to  know  the  squirrels. 
The  world  calls  these  squirrels  tame.  But  to  me 
it  is  MORE.  There  is  the  sublime  workings  of 
greater  and  lesser  intelligences,  the  harmonizing 
of  the  whole.  **God  is  our  refuge  and  our 
strength. *'  **God  is  love,''  the  key  to  Divine 
love  that  surges  in  the  hearts  of  all  God's  crea- 
tures. When  fear  is  obliterated,  it  finds  expres- 
sion through  Divine  understanding,  the  Divine 
in  all. 

Folk  cry  for  facts  with  the  doors  of  their 
souls  closed  and  padlocked.  To  meet  facts  FACE 
TO  FACE,  requires  ALL  THAT  IS  IN  MAN  to 
meet  them  fair. 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  137 

Ah,  here  is  the  Tailor  Bird,  a  great  theme  from 
which  to  work !  While  we  watch  them  build  their 
nests  it  will  be  time  well  spent.  First  of  all,  they 
select  the  finest  leaves  that  have  no  worm  or 
loose  holes  in  them;  then  they  fold  them  to- 
gether, carefully  pulling  edge  to  edge,  sewing 
them  fast  by  a  sort  of  cross-stitch  wonderfully 
exact  as  to  distance  between  stitches.  Then  they 
build  up  the  inside  just  as  carefully.  They  are 
extremely  careful  in  selecting  the  thread  for  the 
sewing,  picking  only  the  strong,  aad  it  must  not 
be  wiry,  but  supple.  To  watch  them  select  and 
test  the  thread  is  amusing.  It  reminds  me  of 
Granny,  when  she  pulls  bits  of  thread  from  a 
spool,  much  to  the  clerk's  disgust.  To  see  them 
perking  their  heads  on  one  side  and  the  other, 
observing  the  efficiency  of  their  work,  is  enlight- 
ening. If  the  work  is  not  satisfactory,  they  tear 
it  away  with  no  little  display  of  disgust.  If  it  is 
satisfactory,  they  hop  about  merrily. 

The  birds  are  not  unlike  the  thrifty  housewife 
who  secures  the  best  to  be  had  for  the  welfare 
of  the  family.  In  a  measure  bird  and  housewife 
are  partakers  in  the  great  cause — that  of  edify- 
ing their  kind,  bringing  into  the  world  whole- 
someness  and  perfection. 

**Go  thou  and  do  likewise.''  Herein  is  not 
only  the  play  of  intelligence,  but  the  art  and  har- 
mony of  attuned  purpose  as  well  as  the  power 
to  look  ahead  for  the  welfare  of  all  concerned. 
YOU  say:  **What  manner  of  intelligence  have 
they?    Is  it  habit  or  instinct!" 


138  FACE  TO  FACE 

Stop  here  and  think,  my  friend,  what  possible 
good  would  habit  or  instinct  be  without  a  dynamo 
to  enliven  it?  It  would  be  as  a  bubble  blown 
high.  There  must  be  a  QUICKENING  of  Divine 
existence  before  any  habit  or  instinct  CAN  take 
hold  and  enact;  Divine  intelligence  the  power, 
the  plan,  the  reason,  to  enact. 

Bird  life  could  not  pass  through  the  ages  with 
agility  and  not  become  weakened  or  totally  ef- 
faced, without  intelligence  to  pilot  its  needs, 
wants  and  habits;  although  Divine  guidance  does 
play  the  greater  part  in  all  things  having  life. 
God  fills  every  living  thing  with  the  power  of 
action;  think  you  He  would  neglect  the  necessary 
requisite  to  motor,  action — that  of  intelligence? 
God's  work  is  very  complete.  It  would  be  a  total 
loss  to  bird  life  were  it  to  depend  wholly  upon 
habit  to  carry  it  through  the  ages.  Habit  grows 
into  wantonness  when  it  is  allowed  to  run  its 
course  without  the  tether  of  intelligence. 

Habit  is  a  thing  assumed;  it  is  not  any  part 
of  Divine  intelligence,  though  it  may  become  in 
a  sense  Divine  through  application  of  the  intel- 
ligent powers  that  be. 

One  of  the  greatest  themes  in  the  lives  of  the 
fowls  of  the  air  and  earth  is  that  they  invariably 
seek  shelter  where  silence  will  be  the  predomi- 
nating note.  It  is  a  great  part  nature  takes  in 
nature,  to  seek  the  silence.  When  God  said,  ^*Go 
in  thy  closet  and  pray,''  He  was  demonstrating 
the  greatest  law  of  efficiency.  Silence  is  the 
Divine  within  seeking  its  own. 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  139 

Even  alligators  crawl  away  in  the  silence;  ly- 
ing there  blinking  in  the  sun,  caring  for  naught 
but  the  stillness  of  alligator  dreams.  I  have 
found  alligators  and  turtles  susceptible  to  active 
suggestion.  Hypnotism,  practiced  by  Professor 
Thornely,  made  these  creatures  drowsy,  inactive; 
while  ACTIVE  SUGGESTION  enlivened  them 
to  enact  the  gestures  of  head  and  eyes  in  exact 
ratio  to  the  Professor's.  These  demonstrations 
brought  to  mind  the  query:  Am  I  to  go  on  in 
my  studies  of  lesser  things  and  lesser  intelli- 
gences? A  little  bird  sang  a  melody;  a  Locust 
prinked  its  ukulele  prink-ety,  prink,  prink,  prink; 
a  rainbow  appeared  in  the  sky;  I  was  enchanted 
with  the  GIFT  OF  THE  SPIRIT,  and  I  cried 
aloud  that  all  might  hear :  ^  ^  I  would  give  all  my 
life  for  these !  * '  A  little  child  cooed  in  a  near-by 
cart,  the  mother  answered  with  a  sweet  lullaby. 
The  omnipotent  hand  beckoned  me  on — ^I  will 
away. 

In  the  school  of  progress  we  must  remember 
to  EISE  ABOVE  our  little  selves  and  seek  these 
lesser  intelligences  in  the  spirit  of  truth,  for  they 
are  ABOVE  US  until  we  can  understand  them, 
and  they  us.  As  long  as  lesser  intelligences  tear, 
mangle  and  betray,  as  long  as  man  turns  from 
the  truth,  the  world  will  not  know  peace.  When 
love  shall  rule  upon  the  face  of  the  earth  in  its 
great  power  of  giving  and  taking,  the  way  will 
not  seem  so  long,  nor  the  days  so  dreary,  for 
they  will  be  alight  with  the  PRESENCE  of 
God's  purpose  fulfilled. 


140  FACE  TO  FACE 

Two  months  later  finds  me  in  the  jungles  of 
HUMAN  ENDEAVOE,  where  man  toils  in  any 
way  he  may  to  secure  his  daily  needs.  There  is 
a  great  lack  of  intelligence  of  a  greater  nature, 
because  the  WILL  has  been  crushed  by  the  grind 
of  things  earthly.  The  DESIEE  TO  RISE  is 
there,  but  is  inactive ;  there  is  nothing  to  quicken, 
nothing  to  incite  the  will  to  action.  These  peo- 
ple are  sometimes  classed  among  the  lower  or 
lesser  intelligences,  when,  in  fact,  they  hold  the 
same  divine  inheritance  that  the  higher  intelli- 
gences do;  it  lacks  cultivation  however.  These 
tired  souls  in  the  grist  of  human  endeavor  lose, 
for  the  time,  the  keen  sight  to — quicken  and 
awake  the  Divine  within  that  leads  beyond  the 
grist  of  material  endeavor  to  spiritual  triumph, 
hence  they  lose  sight  of  the  SUBSTANCE  in  ac- 
cepting in  apathy  their  present  conditions. 

The  old  woman  across  the  street  rubbing  on 
her  board  with  the  thermometer  at  eighty-nine 
in  the  shade,  with  a  big  ironing  to  do  before  she 
can  cook  her  dinner,  is  not  apt  to  think  of  much 
beyond  it — still — she  does.  When  evening  comes 
she  has  to  tote  a  big  basket  of  clothes  to  the  top 
floor  of  an  apartment  house  before  she  can  go 
to  market  for  supplies  for  the  dinner.  Hence 
the  cry  of  those  who  think — 

**Mrs.  McNary,  can  we  go  with  you  when  you 
take  the  washing  home?" 

**Sure,  ye  can,  but  for  mercy's  sake,  what 
forr* 

We  carefully  evaded  the  question  as  we  fol- 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  141 

lowed  Mrs.  McNary  up  the  long  flight  of  stairs, 
helping  her  with  her  basket,  which  we  presently 
set  down  in  front  of  a  pretentious  looking  door, 
knocking  gently.  An  elegantly  gowned  lady 
answered  the  knock: 

**So,  you  are  here  at  last,  are  you,  Mrs.  Mc- 
Nary?   How  much  is  it  this  timeT' 

**Two   seventy-five,*'  answered  Mrs.  McNary. 

**TWO  SEVENTY-FIVE!  Well,  that  is  too 
much.  I  will  pay  it  this  time.  However,  don't 
ever  ask  that  much  again.'' 

*^But — "  said  Mrs.  McNary,  **  there  were — '* 
but  the  door  was  shut.  Mrs.  McNary  stood  on 
the  outside  while  laughter  came  from  behind 
the  closed  door. 

^*Well,  I  saved  about  four  dollars  this  time; 
the  laundry  would  have  charged  that  anyway. ' ' 

We  followed  Mrs.  McNary  indignantly  down 
the  long  flight  of  stairs.  On  her  head  was 
another  basket. 

**This  wan  is  a  good  lady,"  she  said,  as  we 
trudged  along.  We  soon  came  to  a  modest  little 
cottage  aglow  with  roses  and  mignonette.  We 
knocked  on  the  half  open  door.  A  cheerful  *  ^  come 
in"  greeted  us. 

Standing  over  a  preserving  kettle  was  a  plump, 
tired  little  woman.  To  our  surprise,  Mrs.  Mc- 
Nary placed  the  basket  on  the  floor,  picked  up 
the  crying  baby  with  a  **  There,  there  now, 
honey";  walked  with  it  in  her  arms  to  the  sink, 
picked  up  a  pan,  filled  it  with  cool  fresh  water, 


142  FACE  TO  FACE 

crossed  to  the  stove,  taking  the  preserving  spoon 
from  the  tired  hand  that  held  it. 

*  *  Do  wash  yonr  face,  lady ;  put  plenty  of  water 
on  the  hack  of  your  neck,  it  helps.'' 

Gratefully  Mrs.  McNary's  lady  complied  with 
the  request.  Then  Mrs.  McNary  handed  her  a 
cup  of  fresh  tea  she  had  found  time  to  brew. 

<<  'Twill  perk  you  up,  like  everything,''  she 
said. 

The  preserving  glasses  were  all  filled,  the 
paraffine  poured  on  top,  when  the  silence  was 
again  broken. 

^*How  do  you  feel  now,  honey?" 

^^  Better,  thank  you,  Mrs.  McNary.  I  wonder, 
have  you  ever  had  a  black  silk  dress?" 

^*No-n-o,  ma'am." 

^'I  have  been  thinking  for  a  long  time  what  I 
could  do  to  make  my  mother  more  happy,  Mrs. 
McNary,  than  heaven  has  made  her,  and  I  think 
I  could  if  I  would  give  you  her  black  silk  dress; 
that  is,  if  you  don't  mind." 

Rising,  she  took  from  the  hall  closet  a  beauti- 
ful black  silk  gown.  Mrs.  McNary  put  it  on,  and 
it  was  I  who  carried  the  basket  home ;  for,  it  was 
filled  with  human  kindness;  with  a  bit  of  human 
endeavor,  that  was  inspired  in  heaven.  And  we 
saw  as  we  walked  along,  an  angel,  beaming  on 
Mrs.  McNary 's  black  silk  gown. 

Lesser  intelligences  and  higher  motives  some- 
how seem  to  blend  into  one  great  purpose,  the 
purpose  God  intended.  So,  in  the  course  of 
events,  hopes,  ambitions  of  all  mankind,   there 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  143 

exists  an  almost  equal  division  of  give  and  take, 
of  greater  and  lesser  intelligence,  in  man  and 
beast  alike.  The  scheme  of  human  endeavor  tem- 
pered with  the  inflow  of  Divine  intelligence,  like 
a  fount  of  perpetual  increase,  rises  and  falls  in 
the  tide  of  greater  aim,  greater  gain  and  higher 
ideals.  Man  must  become  spiritual  enough  to 
infuse  spiritual  qualities  in  the  lesser  intelli- 
gences, thus  bringing,  in  ATTUNED  EEALITY, 
a  greater  destiny  upon  this  plane  for  man  and 
beast  alike. 

Few  there  are  in  this  day  and  age  who  can 
look  in  the  wistful  eyes  of  some  pet  animal  and 
enjoy  a  dinner  off  the  animaPs  kinsman.  The 
wonderful  light  of  intelligence  thrown  in  upon 
the  vaporous  turn  of  tidal  thought,  brings  forth 
the  substance  of  the  real.  In  it  is  not  only  the 
Divine  principle  of  things  made  Holy  by  right 
thinking,  but  elevates  mankind  to  his  proper 
sphere — that  of  Infinite  power. 

We  may  think  miracles  beyond  the  power  of 
man,  while  in  fact  miracle  is  a  part  of  man.  Man 
was  created  through  the  miraculous  power  of  the 
spoken  word,  spirit  of  Grod.  Atom  to  Atom, 
(dust)  but  the  nature  of  dust  was  not — made 
known.  We  many,  many  times  hinder  the  inflow 
of  Divine  power  by  eliminating  the  possibilities 
of  At-one-ness.  There  are  no  limitations  to 
Divine  understanding.  Man  may  reach  the  goal 
of  perfection  here  and  now,  if  he  will  but  *'hold 
fast  that  which  is  good*'  in  the  universe  as  well 
as  within  himself.    As  the  universe  embraces  the 


144  FACE  TO  FACE 

whole,  it  is  necessary  for  man  to  become  attuned 
to  the  universe  and  all  therein.  The  march  of 
time  brings  forth  the  opportunity  to  attune  him- 
self;  will  he  grasp  it?  Opportunity  faces  man 
on  every  hand ;  the  fault  lies  within  the  man  that 
will  not  see  it. 

I  cannot  say,  as  some  do,  that  A  GEEAT  op- 
portunity presents  itself  to  man.  Every  law  of 
intelligence  is  broken  by  that  assertion,  to  my 
way  of  reasoning,  for  opportunity  cannot  come 
single-handed,  as  GOD  IS  IN  IT;  it  must  hold 
the  Divine.  Again,  there  are  opportunities  that 
do  not  seem  great  at  the  time  they  are  presented, 
and  yet  when  developed  are  among  the  greatest 
and  grandest.  I  am  positive  that  were  man  to 
work  THEOUGH  EVEEY  LITTLE  OPPOE- 
TUNITY  that  presents  itself  to  him,  he  would 
find  his  greatest  opportunity  lying  among  them. 
Great  opportunities  are  found  far  more  often  by 
the  wayside  than  in  cultured  gardens.  Nature 
presents  opportunities;  so  does  man.  It  stands 
then,  to  reason,  that  the  greatest  opportunity 
comes  from  the  God-head,  Infinite  intelligence, 
Divine  principle,  will.  For  God  so  willed  it  to 
be. 

There  are  innumerable  opportunities  in  the 
jungles.  Man  is  removed  from  them  by  circum- 
stances, etc.,  but  he  does  not  stop  to  consider  the 
most  terrible  jungles  are  close  at  hand;  that  in 
the  pens,  the  slaughter  houses,  lies  an  oppor- 
tunity that  of  attuning  himself  with  the  higher 
order   of  Divine  love  and  understanding;   that 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  145 

the  schooling  through  which  God  intended  man 
to  progress  begins  in  the  mercy  shown  to  all 
God^s  creatures.  Enacting  the  Divine  will  to- 
wards all  that  suffer,  thus  bringing  the  suffer- 
ing ones  to  a  greater  destiny  than  the  slaughter 
house,  where  man  stands  knee-deep  in  the  blood 
of  his  fellow  creatures. 

It  matters  but  little  where  the  subject  for 
thought  comes  from.  Whether  from  sea  or  land, 
it  expresses  more  and  more  fully  the  power  of 
spirit.  It  is  not  at  all  strange  that  God  should 
place  mankind  in  the  great  garden  of  constant 
teaching,  through  demonstrating  on  every  hand 
the  marvelous  technical  points  in  all  things  He 
has  created.  When  man  becomes  attuned  he  will 
be  enabled  to  see  the  workings  of  the  Divine 
constantly  expressing  its  principles.  As  man 
progresses  in  scientific  knowledge  of  nature  and 
its  principles,  as  he  takes  time  to  study  the  work- 
ing principles  of  the  Divine  in  all  things,  he  will 
grow  into  greater  harmony  with  the  universe, 
thus  winding  the  center  of  his  being  on  the  ego 
spool  of  efficiency.  The  I  AM  will  have  a  fuller 
meaning  in  his  plans  of  self-culture.  It  will  en- 
liven and  quicken  his  being  until  it  expands  to 
meet  the  CREATOR  of  that  being  in  the  fullness 
of  wisdom.  That  is  none  other  than  expressing 
His  DIVINE  IDEA. 

TO  THE  END  God  has  created  man;  ** greater 
things  shall  ye  do  than  these.''  Heaven  will 
bless  one  who  seeks  wisdom  in  the  Garden  of 
God,  for  He  knoweth  from  what  wellspring  of 


146  FACE   TO  FACE 

joy  cometh  the  desire  of  mankind  to  seek  in  nat- 
ural simplicity  the  wondrous  workings  of  the 
grist  that  grinds  so  slow  but  sure. 

God  says,  ^'GET  WISDOM,  GET  UNDER- 
STANDING.'' These  words  alone  should  open 
our  eyes  to  the  possibilities  God  hath  set  before 
us. 

Look  at  that  little  water  beetle.  It  lives  in 
stagnant  pools,  it  is  a  blessing  in  disguise;  for 
while  it  thrives  on  the  vicious  substance,  it  tends 
greatly  to  lessen  the  danger  of  disease.  It  would 
seem  a  certain  amount  of  the  carnivorous  must 
appear  in  certain  animals,  insects  or  fowls  to 
balance  well  with  the  necessity  of  protection. 
The  vulture  is  a  rapacious  bird,  yet  it  is  much 
in  the  fields  as  the  street  sweeper  in  the  city. 
Evil  showeth  itself  in  many  colors.  To  learn  to 
discriminate  these  colors  is  one  of  the  little  op- 
portunities presented  to  mankind.  God  gives  to 
man  the  whole  world,  in  which  he  may  work  out 
his  own  salvation ;  it  seems  preposterous  that  man 
is  as  yet  only  upon  the  brink. 

When  the  little  weeds  are  taken  from  our 
minds  we  will  be  better  able  to  GROW,  for  they 
will  be  supplanted  by  the  TRUTH  in  little  things. 

PRIMEVAL   THOUGHTS   THAT   FLOURISH 
IN  THE  GARDEN  OF  TIME 

Indians  believe  in  carnate  and  de-carnate  life. 
Even  THEY  know  the  value  of  keeping  in  tune. 
When  I  say  *^even  they"  I  speak  literally;  prej- 
udice has  made  it  so.  And  yet,  know  ye  not, 
that  the  Indian  is  closer  to  the  SOUL  OF  NA- 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  147 

TUEE  than  his  white  brother?  I  would  rather 
have  the  nature  of  an  Indian  than  to  try  to  ex- 
pound the  ways  of  men  who  dream  of  new  relig- 
ions, new  gods,  or  none. 

Underlying  all  nature  is  the  continued  seeking 
after  God.  The  embodiment  of  all  the  brave,  the 
beautiful,  was  the  God  of  the  Indian;  the  rivers, 
the  forest,  the  minne-wa-wa,  all  whispered  to 
the  Indian's  supersensitive  ear. 

One  summer  a  party  of  us  traveled  overland 
in  a  ear,  through  the  Indian  Eeservations  of  the 
west  and  middle  west.  MY  HEART  SANG  ALL 
THE  WAY.  For  the  time,  I  was  one  of  them. 
I  was  happy ;  I  was  living  in  nature,  with  nature. 
The  Shadow  of  His  wings  hovered  over  the  tepees ; 
and  the  more  modern  homes  of  the  Indians  all 
belonged  to  Him.  They  had  not  found  Christ 
in  the  full  sense  of  the  word,  but  they  had  found 
HIS  nature ;  and  above  it  all,  they  know  there  is 
something  greater,  grander. 

One  must  smell  the  smoke  of  the  wigwams  to 
realize  fully  that  man  has  lost  something  by  tak- 
ing the  gift  of  nature  as  a  second  consideration. 
We  do  not  spend  enough  time  WITH  nature. 

So,  straightway  I  builded  me  a  fire  of  my  own, 
and  sat  there  and  gazed  into  the  great  heart  of 
nature,  —  a  part  of  you,  a  part  of  me,  —  and  lo 
and  behold,  the  stars  glistened,  the  moon  gleamed 
forth,  a  prairie  chicken  scooted  by,  disturbed  by 
my  fire ;  the  corn  in  the  field  near  by  sent  a  thrill 
of  hunger  through  me  that  I  had  not  known  for 
years.    I  cuddled  closer  to  the  fire.    Yea,  verily, 


148  FACE   TO  FACE 

man  HAS  lost  something,  and  a  great  something. 
Man  has  grown  in  refinement,  he  has  taken  a 
firm  grip  upon  conventionalities;  and  yet,  does 
not  his  VERY  SOUL  cry  out  above  the  din  of 
social  and  commercial  life — **0h,  could  I  but  flee 
into  the  night,  hear  the  whir  of  wings,  the  bird 
twittering  its  lullaby  to  its  wee  ones  in  their  nest ; 
could  I  but  hear  the  barking  of  some  watchful 
dog,  the  braying  of  animals,  great  and  small; 
could  I  but  smell  the  fire  round  the  camp,  and 
lay  my  weary  head  on  Nature's  pillow,  and  rest, 
dream  and  KNOW!'' 

Man  goes  fishing;  why?  To  catch  fish?  Or, 
is  it  his  primeval  nature  calling  him  back  to  the 
SUBSTANCE  OF  THINGS,  that  great  call  from 
within,  that  comes  truly  to  every  man? 

Mankind  seeks  nature;  he  can  go  just  so  long 
without  responding  to  its  beckoning  call;  he  can- 
not escape  it,  it  is  too  deeply  rooted  for  that; 
not  alone  because  of  his  primeval  nature,  but 
because  of  the  DIVINE  within  seeking  its  kin. 

Look  to  the  alleys,  watch  the  child  of  the  gut- 
ter drag  from  its  filth  a  blossom;  look  to  the 
lame  on  the  street  corner,  see  how  tenderly  he 
arranges  his  flowers  *  *  For  Sale ' ' ;  look  within  the 
walls  of  commerce  and  see  blossoms  everywhere, 
if  not  real,  then  pictures  of  them ;  visions  of 
hunting  and  fishing  camps  haunt  the  walls.  Look 
within  the  modern  home,  see  the  good  wife  ten- 
derly caring  for  the  little  plant  on  the  window 
ledge;  look  within  our  great  mansions  and  see 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  149 

them  everywhere;  they  grace  the  altars  of  our 
churches;  they  catch  the  tears  of  the  mourners; 
they  put  a  halo  of  glory  over  the  bride.  In  this 
all  mankind  is  kin ;  it  is  nature  asserting  itself  in 
nature. 

As  I  sat  by  my  fire  dreaming,  a  wolf  howled 
mournfully;  a  nightingale  sang  her  song  of  won- 
dering; a  rabbit  scurried  by — sitting  up  so  wise, 
looking  this  way  and  that  for  enemies — and  then 
hurrying  on.  It  was  then  I  realized  that  above 
the  organ's  peal  in  yon  great  city,  there  arises 
a  song  sweeter  by  far;  The  Song  of  the  Soul 
attuned  to  nature,  its  God,  and  its  Creator. 

Kneeling  at  the  great  fount  of  nature,  one  feels 
the  PULSE  of  the  great  open.  It  throbs  through 
and  through  one's  being;  our  hearts  beat  fast 
and  faster  still,  until  all  nature  doth  thrill  within 
the  soul  of  peace.  We  stretch  our  arms  to  the 
heavens  above  and  KNOW  it  holds  the  great 
Infinite  Source  of  all. 

THE  GLOEIOUS  ANTHEM  OF  THE  BLEST, 
GIVES  US  HOPE,  AND  PEACE,  AND  BEST. 

We  fall  asleep;  we  do  not  dream;  the  song  of 
the  bird  is  hushed,  in  respect  to  HIM  WHO  IS 
SPEAKING  TO  US  in  the  silence.  The  spirit 
power  within  is  quickened  to  meet  the  dawn  of 
a  perfect  day.  We  wonder  no  longer  at  the  SOUL 
in  Henry  Wadsworth  Longfellow's  poems. 

While  the  corn  is  sizzling  in  the  ashes,  let  us 
read  one  of  his  poems,  written  in  the  spiritual 
light  that  is  so  full  of  understanding,  say: 


150  FACE    TO   FACE 

HIAWATHA'S  FASTING 

You  shall  hear  how  Hiawatha 
Prayed  and  fasted  in  the  forest, 
Not  for  greater  skill  in  hunting, 
Not  for  greater  craft  in  fishing, 
Not  for  triumphs  in  the  battle, 
And  renown  among  the  warriors. 
But  for  profit  of  the  people. 
For  advantage  of  the  nations. 

First  he  built  a  lodge  for  fasting, 
Built  a  wigwam  in  the  forest. 
By  the  shining  Big-Sea- Water, 
In  the  blithe  and  pleasant  Spring  time. 
In  the  Moon  of  Leaves  he  built  it, 
And,  with  dreams  and  visions  many. 
Seven  whole  days  and  nights  he  fasted. 

On  the  first  day  of  his  fasting 
Through  the  leafy  woods  he  wandered; 
Saw  the  deer  start  from  the  thicket, 
Saw  the  rabbit  in  his  burrow. 
Heard  the  pheasant,  Bena,  drumming, 
Heard  the  squirrel,  Adjidaumo, 
Battling  in  his  hoard  of  acorns, 
Saw  the  pigeon,  the  Omeme, 
Building  nests  among  the  pine-trees, 
And  in  flocks  the  wild-goose,  Wawa, 
Flying  to  the  fen-lands  northward, 
Whirring,  wailing  far  above  him. 
*' Master  of  Life!"  he  cried  desponding, 
"Must  our  lives  depend  on  these  things?" 

On  the  next  day  of  his  fasting 
By  the  river's  brink  he  wandered, 
Through  the  Muskoday,  the  meadow. 
Saw  the  wild  rice,  Mahnomonee, 
Saw  the  blueberry,  Meenahga, 
And  the  strawberry,  Odahmin, 
And  the  gooseberry,  Shahbomin, 
And  the  grape-vine,  Bemahgut, 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  151 

Trailing  o'er   the  alder-branches, 
Filling  all  the  air  with  fragrance! 
* '  Master  of  Life !  "  he  cried  desponding, 
''Must  our  lives  depend  on  these  things?" 

On  the  third  day  of  his  fasting 
By  the  lake  he  sat  and  pondered, 
By  the  still,  transparent  water; 
Saw  the  sturgeon,  Nahma,  leaping, 
Scattering  drops  like  beads  of  wampum. 
Saw  the  yellow  perch,  the  Sahwa, 
Like  a  sunbeam  in  the  water. 
Saw  the  pike,  the  Maskenozha, 
And  the  herring,  Okahahwis, 
And  the  Shawgashee,  the  craw-fish! 
'  *  Master  of  Life  I"  he  cried,  desponding, 
"Must  our  lives  depend  on  these  things?" 

On  the  fourth  day  of  his  fasting 
In  his  lodge  he  lay  exhausted; 
From  his  couch  of  leaves  and  branches 
Gazing  with  half -open  eyelids, 
Full  of  shadowy  dreams  and  visions. 
On  the  dizzy,  swimming  landscape. 
On  the  gleaming  of  the  water, 
On  the  splendor  of  the  sunset. 

And  he  saw  a  youth  approaching, 
Dressed  in  garments  green  and  yellow. 
Coming  through  the  purple  twilight. 
Through  the  splendor  of  the  sunset; 
Plumes  of  green  bent  o'er  his  forehead. 
And  his  hair  was  soft  and  golden. 

Standing  at  the  open  doorway. 
Long  he  looked  at  Hiawatha, 
Looked  with  pity  and  compassion 
On  his  wasted  form  and  features. 
And,  in  accents  like  the  sighing 
Of  the  South-Wind  in  the  tree-tops. 
Said  he,  "O  my  Hiawatha!" 
All  your  prayers  are  heard  in  heaven, 
For  you  pray  not  like  the  others; 


152  FACE    TO   FACE 

Not  for  greater  skill  in  hunting, 
Not  for  greater  craft  in  fishing, 
Not  for  triumph  in  the  battle. 
Nor  renown  among  the  warriors. 
But  for  profit  of  the  people, 
For  advantage  of  the  nations. 

"From  the  Master  of  Life  descending, 
I,  the  friend  of  man,  Mondamin, 
Come  to  warn  you  and  instruct  you. 
How  by  struggle  and  by  labor 
You  shall  gain  what  you  have  prayed  for. 
Eise  up  from  thy  bed  of  branches, 
Eise,  O  youth,  and  wrestle  with  me!'' 

Faint  with  famine,  Hiawatha 
Started  from  his  bed  of  branches. 
From  the  twilight  of  his  wigwam 
Forth  into  the  flush  of  sunset 
Came,  and  wrestled  with  Mondamin; 
At  his  touch  he  felt  new  courage 
Throbbing  in  his  brain  and  bosom. 
Felt  new  life  and  hope  and  vigor 
Eun  through  every  nerve  and  fibre. 

So  they  wrestled  there  together 
In  the  glory  of  the  sunset, 
And  the  more  they  strove  and  struggled, 
Stronger  still  grew  Hiawatha; 
Till  the  darkness  fell  around  them. 
And  the  Heron,  the  Shuh-shuh-gah, 
From  her  nest  among  the  pine-trees. 
Gave  a  cry  of  lamentation. 
Gave  a  scream  of  pain  and  famine. 

' '  'Tis  enough ! ' '  then  said  Mondamin, 
Smiling  upon  Hiawatha, 
''But  tomorrow,  when  the  sun  sets, 
I  will  come  again  to  try  you." 
And  he  vanished,  and  was  seen  not; 
Whether  sinking  as  the  rain  sinks. 
Whether  rising  as  the  mists  rise, 
Hiawatha  saw  not,  knew  not, 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  153 

Only  saw  that  he  had  vanished, 
Leaving  him  alone  and  fainting, 
With  the  misty  lake  below  him, 
And  the  reeling  stars  above  him. 

On  the  morrow  and  the  next  day, 
When  the  sun  through  heaven  descending. 
Like  a  red  and  burning  cinder 
From  the  hearth  of  the  Great  Spirit, 
Fell  into  the  western  waters, 
Came  Mondamin  for  the  trial, 
For  the  strife  with  Hiawatha; 
Came  as  silent  as  the  dew  comes, 
From  the  empty  air  appearing, 
Into  empty  air  returning. 
Taking  shape  when  earth  it  touches. 
But  invisible  to  all  men 
In  its  coming  and  its  going, 

Thrice  they  wrestled  there  together 
In  the  glory  of  the  sunset. 
Till  the  darkness  fell  around  them. 
Till  the  heron,  the  Shuh-shuh-gah, 
From  her  nest  among  the  pine-trees. 
Uttered  her  loud  cry  of  famine. 
And  Mondamin  paused  to  listen. 

Tall  and  beautiful  he  stood  there. 
In  his  garments  green  and  yellow; 
To  and  fro  his  plumes  above  him 
Waved  and  nodded  with  his  breathing. 
And  the  sweat  of  the  encounter 
Stood  like  drops  of  dew  upon  him. 

And  he  cried,  *'0  Hiawatha! 
Bravely  have  you  wrestled  with  me. 
Thrice  have  wrestled  stoutly  with  me, 
And  the  Master  of  Life,  who  sees  us. 
He  will  give  to  you  the  triumph ! ' ' 

Then  he  smiled,  and  said:  *' Tomorrow 
Is  the  last  day  of  thy  conflict. 
Is  the  last  day  of  your  fasting. 
You  will  conquer  and  overcome  me; 


154  FACE    TO   FACE 

Make  a  bed  for  me  to  lie  in, 
Where  the  rain  may  fall  upon  me, 
Where  the  sun  may  come  and  warm  me; 
Strip  these  garments,  green  and  yellow, 
Strip  this  nodding  plumage  from  me, 
Lay  me  in  the  earth,  and  make  it 
Soft  and  loose  and  light  above  me. 

'  *  Let  no  hand  disturb  my  slumber, 
Let  no  weed  nor  worm  molest  me, 
Let  not  Kahgahgee,  the  raven, 
Come  to  haunt  me  and  molest  me. 
Only  come  thyself  to  watch  me. 
Till  I  wake,  and  start,  and  quicken, 
Till  I  leap  into  the  sunshine. ' ' 

And  thus  saying,  he  departed; 
Peacefully  slept  Hiawatha, 
But  he  heard  the  Wawonaissa, 
Heard  the  whippoorwill  complaining, 
Perched  upon  his  lonely  wigwam; 
Heard  the  rushing  Sebowisha, 
Heard  the  rivulet  rippling  near  him. 
Talking  to  the  darksome  forest; 
Heard  the  sighing  of  the  branches. 
As  they  lifted  and  subsided 
At  the  passing  of  the  night-wind. 
Heard  them,  as  one  hears  in  slumber 
Far-off  murmurs,  dreamy  whispers: 
Peacefully  slept   Hiawatha. 

On  the  morrow  came  Nokomis, 
On  the  seventh  day  of  his  fasting, 
Came  with  food  for  Hiawatha, 
Came  imploring  and  bewailing. 
Lest  his  hunger  should  overcome  him, 
Lest  his  fasting  should  be  fatal. 

But  he  tasted  not,  and  touched  not. 
Only  said  to  her,  **  Nokomis, 
Wait  until  the  sun  is  setting. 
Till  the  darkness  falls  around  us. 
Till  the  heron,  the  Shuh-shuh-gah, 


WAVES  THAT  COME  TO  SHORE  155 

Crying  from  the  desolate  marshes, 
Tells  us  that  the  day  is  ended." 

Homeward  weeping  went  Nokomis, 
Sorrowing  for  her  Hiawatha, 
Fearing  lest  his  strength  should  fail  him, 
Lest  his  fasting  should  be  fatal. 
He  meanwhile  sat  weary  waiting 
For  the  coming  of  Mondamin, 
Till  the  shadows,  pointing  eastward, 
Lengthened   over  field  and  forest. 
Till  the  sun  dropped  from  the  heaven, 
Floating  on  the  waters  westward. 
As  a  red  leaf  in   the  Autumn 
Falls  and  floats  upon  the  water, 
Falls  and  sinks  into  its  bosom. 

And  behold!   the  young  Mondamin, 
With  his  soft  and  shining  tresses. 
With  his   garments  green   and  yellow. 
With  his  long  and  glossy  plumage, 
Stood  and  beckoned  at  the  doorway. 
And  as  one  in.  slumber  walking, 
Pale  and  haggard,  but  undaunted. 
From  the  wigwam  Hiawatha 
Came,  and  wrestled  with  Mondamin. 

Eound  about  him  spun  the  landscape, 
Sky  and  forest  reeled  together. 
And  his  strong  heart  leaped  within  him, 
As  the  sturgeon  leaps  and  struggles 
In  a  net  to  break  its  meshes. 
Like  a  ring  of  fire  around  him 
Blazed  and  flared  the  red  horizon, 
And  a  hundred  suns  seemed  looking 
At  the  combat  of  the  wrestlers. 

Suddenly  upon  the  greensward 
All  alone  stood  Hiawatha, 
Panting  with  his  wild  exertion, 
Palpitating  with   the   struggle; 
And  before  him,  breathless,  lifeless, 
Lay  the  youth,  with  hair  dishevelled. 


156  FACE   TO   FACE 

Plumage  torn,  and  garments  tattered, 
Dead  he  lay  there  in  the  sunset. 

And  victorious  Hiawatha 
Made  the  gra,ve  as  he  commanded, 
Stripped  the   garments  from  Mondamin, 
.  Stripped  his  tattered  plumage  from  him, 
Laid  him  in  the  earth,  and  made  it 
Soft  and  loose  and  light  above  him; 
And  the  heron,  the  Shuh-shuh-gah, 
From  the   melancholy   moorlands, 
Gave  a  cry  of  lamentation. 
Gave  a  cry  of  pain  and  anguish  I 

Homeward  then  went  Hiawatha 
To  the  lodge  of  old  Nokomis, 
And  the  seven  days  of  his  fasting 
Were  accomplished  and  completed. 
But  the  place  was  not  forgotten 
Where   he   wrestled   with   Mondamin; 
Nor  forgotten  nor  neglected 
Was  the  grave  where  lay  Mondamin, 
Sleeping  in  the  rain  and  sunshine. 
Where  his  scattered  plumes  and  garments 
Faded  in  the  rain  and  sunshine. 

Day  by  day  did  Hiawatha 
Go  to  wait  and  watch  beside  it; 
Keep  the  dark  mould  soft  above  it, 
Keep  it  clean,  from  weeds  and  insects. 
Drove  away  with  scoffs  and  shoutings, 
Kahgahgee,  the  king  of  ravens. 

Till  at  length  a  small  green  feather 
From  the  earth  shot  slowly  upward, 
Then  another  and  another. 
And  before  the  summer  ended 
Stood  the  maize  in  all  its  beauty. 
With  its  shining  robes  about  it, 
And  its  long,  soft,  yellow  tresses; 
And  in  rapture  Hiawatha 
Cried  aloud,  *^It  is  Mondamin! 
Yes,  the  friend  of  man,  Mondamin!  '* 


WAVES  THAT  COMB  TO  SHORE  157 

Then  he  called  to  old  Nokomis 
And  lagoo,  the  great  boaster, 
Showed  them  where  the  maize  was  growing, 
Told  them  of  his  wondrous  vision, 
Of  his  wrestling  and  his  triumph. 
Of  this  new  gift  to  the  nations, 
Which  should  be  their  food  forever. 

And  still  later,  when  the  Autumn 
Changed  the  long  green  leaves  to  yellow, 
And  the  soft  and  juicy  kernels 
Grew  like  wampum  hard  and  yellow. 
Then  the  ripened  ears  he  gathered, 
Stripped  the  withered  husks  from  off  them, 
As  he  once  had  stripped  the  wrestler, 
Gave  the  first  Feast  of  Mondamin, 
And  made  known  unto  the  people 
This  new  gift  of  the  Great  Spirit. 

Our  fire  has  burned  low,  the  corn  is  still  hot  in 
the  embers,  let  ns  strip  the  plumage  and  eat 
thereof,  for  is  it  not  one  of  the  greatest  gifts  of 
the  spirit  to  mankind? 

Our  benefits  come  in  visions,  in  dreams,  until 
we  can  materialize  them  sufficiently  to  be  of  bene- 
fit to  man.  These  visions  and  dreams  that  are  of 
REAL  BENEFIT  to  the  nations,  to  the  people, 
come  to  those  who  are  seeking  the  Gift  of  the 
spirit,  like  Hiawatha,  by  prayer  and  fasting. 
By  going  into  the  great  open  IN  THE  SPLEN- 
DOR OF  SILENCE,  with  naught  but  the  whis- 
perings of  nature,  it  is  then  we  know  and  fully 
appreciate  the  meaning  of 
**BE  STILL,  AND  KNOW  THAT  I  AM  GOD/' 

The  rich  blessing  of  the  Maize  is  ever  ready  to 
be  multiplied  when  mankind  seeks  the  KINGDOM 
FIRST. 


158  FACE    TO   FACE 

How  is  it  that  the  white  man  is  so  far  behind 
his  red  skinned  brother  who  forgets  not  to  bury 
his  war  clubs  in  harvest  time,  and  blesses  his 
fields  in  time  of  planting?  Had  WE  the  spirit 
of  truth,  OUE  harvest  might  be  more  abundant. 
**  Superstition,  nonsense, '*  says  someone.  Nay, 
it  is  neither  of  these,  my  friend,  but  spirit  seek- 
ing spirit;  where  we  reach  towards  the  star  at 
the  top  of  the  tree;  the  symbol  of  spiritual  birth; 
the  fullness  of  all. 


CHAPTER  III 
THE  DEEP  STILL  WATERS 

^*Be  still  and  KNOW  that  I  am  God'' 

maERSOLL:  *^The  Infinite  Bible  has  been 
and  is  the  greatest  curse  in  Christendom,  and 
will  be  as  long  as  it  is  held  to  be  inspired.'' 

LOTUS:  When  we  glide  our  bark  over  the 
deep  still  waters  of  inspirational  things  to  the 
broad  sands  where  lieth  the  shells  of  past  use- 
fulness, we  are  quickened  with  the  desire  to  en- 
liven them  with  NEW  EXPRESSIONS  of  use- 
fulness; inspiration  whispers  ART  in  our  souls, 
and  we  barken.  Just  tiny  shells  cast  up  by  the 
sea,  yet  are  they  endowed  with  beauty  and  color- 
ing of  nature's  reflected  grandeur.  The  image 
gladdens  our  heart,  creating  a  NEW  THOUGHT 
of  the  beautiful;  the  reverie  wanders  on,  to  some 
lone  hut  or  palace  grand,  and  there  reposes  in 
the  minds  of  others,  creating  a  still  newer 
thought  of  beauty  and  worth.  Other  hearts  are 
made  glad,  other  lives  are  made  joyous.  LITTLE 
SHELLS  hold  the  wonderful  gift  of  spirit,  the 
power  to  awaken  in  man  and  call  forth  the  ex- 
pressive principles  of  HIS  Divine  purpose. 

In  the  fathomless  depths  of  soul  a  little  song 
has  been  sung,  the  song  of  the  deep  still  waters ; 
the  ripple  and  rhythm  of  Infinite  wisdom,  in 
which  all  things  are  made  known. 


160  FACE   TO   FACE 

Who  can  doubt  the  spirit  of  inspiration  when 
it  is  sung  in  the  HEAET  of  man,  the  SOUL  of 
things,  sung  in  nature's  dreams,  and  sung  in 
EVERY  EXPRESSION  OF  LIFE  AND 
DEATH.  It  is  the  song  the  Bible  has  sung  from 
the  days  of  yore. 

A  chord  has  been  sounded  in  the  soul  of  man 
in  which  rings  the  harmonious  strains  of  heaven 
here  and  now.  Man  may  vibrate  with  ecstasy,  he 
may  weep  with  joy,  he  may  tremble  with  fear, 
when  he  receives  his  first  thrill  of  inspiration; 
but  he  will  never  forget  it,  it  becomes  a  part  of 
his  VERY  EXISTENCE  from  that  moment,  and 
he  knows  it.  He  turns,  beholding  the  Bible,  and 
he  UNDERSTANDS  the  inspiration  of  it;  it  is 
to  him  as  the  breath  of  life.  He  listens  to  the 
promptings  of  the  wee  small  voice,  and  is  blessed. 

God  is  a  LIVING  PRESENCE ;  let  us  remem- 
ber this  always.  A  desire  for  a  nearer  insight 
into  the  wonders,  beauties  and  creative  principles, 
eventually  overcomes  the  lust  for  carnal  things. 
^*IT  IS  ENOUGH' ';  we  have  tasted  the  vinegar 
of  sordid  desire;  we  want  HIS  LOVE,  we  want 
HIS  CARE,  WE  WANT  TO  LIVE  in  pure  con- 
science. We  want  the  sweet  spirit  of  rest  and 
peace.  This  is  a  redeeming  inspiration  ascending 
and  descending — a  Thalia — a  muse  of  joy.  It  is 
the  illumined  presence  of  God  working  in  and 
through  our  affairs. 

It  is  the  little  pebble  that  holds  around  it  the 
fragments  of  earth  and  sand  until  it  becomes 
a  great  mountain.     Herein  we  find  the  Divine 


THE   DEEP    STILL   WATERS  161 

scheme  of  things  working  in  unison  with  the  pur- 
pose for  which  God  placed  man  in  the  Garden  of 
Eden. 

**Ye  men  of  Athens,  I  perceive  that  all  things 
are  too  superstitious,  for  as  I  passed  by  and 
beheld  your  devotions  I  found  altars  with  the  in- 
scription *To  the  unknown  God,'  whom  there- 
fore ye  ignorantly  worship.  Him  declare  I  unto 
you;  God  that  made  the  world  and  all  things 
therein,  seeing  that  He  is  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  dwelling  not  in  temples  made  with  hands 
as  though  He  needed  anything,  seeing  that  He 
giveth  to  all  LIFE,  breath  and  ALL  things,  and 
hath  made  of  one  blood  all  nations  of  people  to 
dwell  upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  hath  deter- 
mined the  things  before  appointed  and  within 
the  bonds  of  habitation,  that  they  should  seek  the 
Lord  if  happily  they  might  find  Him,  though  He 
be  not  far  from  any  of  us,  for  in  Him  we  have 
our  being;  and  certain  of  your  own  poets  have 
said,  *For  we  are  His  offspring.'  We  ought  not 
to  think  the  hand  is  like  unto  silver  or  gold,  or 
stone,  or  graven  art  and  man's  devices." 

INGERSOLL:  *^  Within  the  universe,  the 
supernatural  does  not  exist." 

LOTUS:  The  supernatural  finds  expression 
in  the  various  phases  within  the  universe.  Like 
the  laws  of  nature,  it  responds  to  sunshine,  love 
and  harmony.  It  is  ABOVE  nature  yet  IN 
nature.  It  is  the  supreme  influence  dwelling  in 
conscience.     The  quickened  conscience  perceives 


162  FACE    TO   FACE 

it.  It  is  then  no  longer  a  miracle,  but  the  natural 
results  of  QUICKENED  SPIRIT. 

INGERSOLL:  ^'If  we  admit  that  some  in- 
finite being  has  controlled  the  destiny  of  man, 
persons  and  people,  history  becomes  a  blood- 
curdling and  thirsty  farce.  Age  after  age  the 
strong  have  trampled  the  weak,  the  heartless 
have  ensnared  the  innocent;  and  not  in  all  the 
dominion  of  mankind  has  God  cured  the 
oppressed  woman.'* 

LOTUS:  It  is  not  hard  to  understand  why 
these  conditions  have  existed,  when  we  stop  to 
consider  that  man  has  not  reached  the  deep 
things  of  God  in  the  FULL  UNDERSTANDING 
of  the  BOUNDARIES  of  the  soul.  That  which 
envelops  and  surrounds  us  is  more  or  less  in- 
fluenced by  us ;  by  the  attitude  we  WILL  towards 
things  and  conditions.  When  we  reach  the  truth 
in  the  soul  of  things,  we  will  not  have  such  con- 
ditions to  WORK  THROUGH. 

Man  has  not  come  into  the  FULL  realization 
that  all  INTERIOR  has  an  exterior.  The  in- 
visible cord  that  binds  the  two  is  quickened  into 
INTELLIGENT  EXPRESSION  when  man  ELE- 
VATES THEM  to  the  standard  GOD  HAS  SET 
FOR  MAN. 

We  are  too  apt  to  shut  ourselves  in  the  dark  cell 
that  breeds  unrest  and  disease,  we  want  to  open 
the  doors  and  let  in  the  sunshine  of  spiritual  truth. 
**But  whosoever  drinketh  of  the  waters  that  I 
shall  give  him,  shall  be  as  a  well  of  water  spring- 
ing up  into  everlasting  life.*' 


THE   DEEP    STILL    WATERS  163 

When  we  broaden  in  spiritual  truth,  we  let  the 
bars  of  limitation  down ;  Divine  love  rides  through 
in  the  chariot  of  perfect  understanding,  without 
respect  of  person  or  sex. 

Man  cries  from  the  depths  of  his  soul  for  a 
PERFECT  DAY  with  his  eyes  SHUT  to  TRUTH 
and  his  ears  closed  to  REASON.  To  develop  the 
perfect  day  calls  for  FAITH  IN  WORKS;  for 
the  DIVINE  expression  of  LOVE  to  be  made  a 
PERPETUAL  LAW. 

0,  Love  Divine— the  FRAGRANCE  OF  SOUL 
entering  the  realms  of  the  human  heart,  playing 
upon  the  harmonica  of  man's  BETTER  nature, 
sending  forth  the  incense  of  ATTUNED  GODLI- 
NESS, in  which  all  men  are  made  JOYOUS. 

Man  will  be  able  to  bear  the  LIGHT  of  the  per- 
fect day  when  his  soul  is  quickened  in  the 
POWER  of  the  great  at-one-ness.  Then  will 
wars  be  no  more.  The  hungry  masses  CRY  FOR 
PEACE;  the  dying  pray  for  it;  God's  little 
children  look  into  our  eyes  and  ask  us  WHY 
SUCH  THINGS  EXIST.  Big  sad  eyes  seek  for 
ONE  RAY  OF  LIGHT  by  which  the  soul  may  be 
fed. 

OUR  children  are  old  before  their  time;  old 
beholding  the  sins  of  their  fathers.  Building 
homes  with  back  bent,  one  eye  or  none,  one  arm 
or  none;  a  bit  of  black  bread  with  mouldy  crust 
is  not  heaven  sent,  it  is  man  made.  Blood  be- 
spattered doorsteps  upon  which  little  bare  feet 
leave  their  imprint,  searching  for  the  love  light 
that  has  disappeared  behind  sightless  eyes,  leave 


164  FACE   TO   PACE 

in  their  wake  the  stamp  of  hatred  buried  deep 
within  the  hearts  and  minds  of  these  little  ones, 
who  have  been  robbed  of  their  childhood. 

The  MAN  seeks  revenge,  perchance  upon  many, 
for  the  stigma  of  crime  that  has  hung,  like  a 
shadow,  over  his  life.  Somewhere  within  his 
being  something  snapped  when  he  looked  within 
those  sightless  eyes,  leaving  a  mute  witness,  a 
lost  chord.  0,  man  of  sorrows,  why  linger  around 
the  melting  pot  of  HAS  BEENS.  Be  a  factor, 
working  in  co-operation  with  the  Divine  in 
LITTLE  THINGS,  where  revenge  is  replaced  by 
LOVE,  where  the  outgoing  soul  redeems,  and 
does  not  grow  into  degenerate  desire.  The  re- 
deemers of  the  world  today  are  those  who  work 
momentarily  among  the  little  things  that  con- 
tinually confront  man;  thus  they  are  building 
greater  destinies,  greater  souls.  They  may  seem 
to  be  living  a  peaceful  life,  without  any  effort  on 
their  part.  That's  just  it ;  it  is  the  quiet  dale  that 
produces  the  fragrant  and  beautiful  Lily  of  the 
Valley,  o 'er-shadowed  by  the  mighty  power  of 
peace. 

Spirit  soars;  it  covers  a  great  area.  It  is  in 
the  SOARING  that  man  learns  to  overcome.  It 
takes  just  a  LITTLE  effort  to  further  the  great 
principle  of  glorifying  His  likeness  and  image. 
The  perfect  man  stands  before  us  today;  all  he 
needs  is  awakening,  quickening.  Were  all  the 
energy  that  is  consumed  by  hatred  and  revenge 
used  to  further  the  interests  of  the  human  race, 
this  world  would  be  a  Home  of  culture  and  re- 


THE    DEEP    STILL   WATERS  165 

finement,  wherein  the  soul-  might  find  rest  in  the 
spirit  of  progression.  Spirit  is  so  wonderfully 
active  in  things,  when  it  is  met  in  honest  purpose 
and  clean  motives. 

*  *  There  is  so  much  in  this  world  to  do,  the  little 
I  could  accomplish  would  amount  to  little  or 
nothing,'*  says  someone.  Every  grain  of  sugar 
added  to  the  pound  adds  to  its  sparkle,  its  weight 
and  its  value.  Grain  by  grain  the  wheat  grows 
that  feeds  the  nations.  We  are  too  apt  to  look 
to  the  neighbors  for  our  chickiens,  when  they  are 
peacefully  clucking  in  our  own  back  yard. 

There  is  so  much  EIGHT  AT  HAND,  would 
we  but  take  the  time  to  count  our  blessings  one 
by  one,  so  much  through  which  we  might  work  for 
the  good  of  all  concerned,  though  it  be  in  the 
peaceful  surroundings  of  just  HOME.  We  need 
not  look  to  battle  fields  for  a  chance  to  soothe 
the  dying,  the  suffering;  we  need  not  look  to  the 
slums  for  a  chance  to  cultivate  higher  motives 
and  greater  ideals.  These  come  in  our  own  back 
doors  unaided,  unasked.  We  would  see  them 
plainer  would  we  give  a  little  more  thought  to 
the  WELFARE  of  those  who  cross  our  threshold. 

**I  would  rather  not  neighbor,  it  is  better  not," 
say  some.  It  is  one  of  the  GREATEST  OPPOR- 
TUNITIES presented  to  mankind.  There  is  a 
great  DIFFERENCE  between  familiarity  and 
*^LOVE  THY  NEIGHBOR  AS  THYSELF.'' 
The  distinction  lies  in  the  simple  words,  *  *  DO  AS 
YOU  WOULD  BE  DONE  BY."  Not  many  will 
take  advantage  of  those  who  help  them  lift  their 


166  FACE   TO   FACE 

burdens.  Time,  example,  and  a  gradual  infusion 
of  Divine  light,  will  help  them  see  the  value  of  a 
friendship  not  over-ripe. 

Man  will  eventually  come  into  the  FULL 
REALIZATION  that  THE  WAY  has  been  made 
clear  from  the  days  of  Adam.  He  has  been 
blindly  groping  by  the  wayside  when  he  might 
have  been  a  GREATER  SOUL,  gained  greater 
gain,  had  he  sought  the  WORD  IN  THE  SPIRIT 
OF  TRUTH.  There  is  a  great  waste  in  the  lives 
of  mankind ;  that  waste  is  INDIFFERENCE  to 
the  things  that  are  the  NEAREST  TO  HIM.  In 
this  one  expression  we  will  find  the  answer  to 
**Why  do  the  insane  treat  those  they  love  the 
best  with  the  greatest  hatreds  It  is  the  IN- 
DIFFERENCE OF  MAN  TO  THE  LITTLE 
TREASURES  EXPRESSING  CONTINUALLY 
IN  HIS  DAILY  LIFE  that  has  made  an  obses- 
sing force  TAKE  HOLD  of  the  sane  and  made 
them  insane. 

Call  it  hereditary  traits,  if  you  like;  I  CALL 
IT  INDIFFERENCE  to  the  IMMORTAL 
SPIRIT  IN  MAN.  CHRIST  IS  COMING!  The 
children's  cry  proclaims  it.  *^ Coming  events  cast 
their  shadows  before. '^  There  is  no  greater  joy 
than  to  find  oneself  attuned  to  meet  them.  It  is 
the  co-mingling  of  the  material  and  the  Divine 
in  which  God's  purpose  is  glorified.  It  is  the 
substance  of  His  likeness  and  image  finding  ex- 
pression in  WORKS  BY  FAITH.  We  may  affirm 
the  body  is  all  right;  we  may  demand  it  BE  all 
right,  but  this  does  not  sufficiently  cover  the  law. 


THE    DEEP    STILL   WATERS  167 

This  is  where  faith  in  works  has  a  chance  to  be 
left  out.  The  body  IS,  and  it  must  be  cared 
for;  true.  We  go  to  our  granary  and  find  the 
bottom  has  fallen  out  of  the  bin,  the  grain  scat- 
tering to  the  four  winds.  We  do  not  AFFIRM 
the  bottom  back  in  the  bin.  We  have  faith  in 
our  ability  to  place  it  back,  but  we  know  it  takes 
expression  to  accomplish  the  end.  We  remove 
the  cause  by  works,  and  then  give  thanks  for  the 
perfecting  of  power  that  has  made  works  pos- 
sible. This  is  where  faith  plays  its  part,  where 
spirit  plays  a  great  part.  To  affirm  the  grinder 
is  all  right  when  it  is  all  wrong,  is  to  spill  the 
grain:     Just  so,  faith  without  works  is  dead. 

We  can  picture  before  us  a  dear  one,  well 
and  strong,  and  hold  the  image  there  until  it 
becomes  a  part  of  our  very  existence;  but  we 
must  give  them  the  PLEASURES,  the  NECES- 
SITIES, to  compel  EXPRESSION  in  SPIRIT 
and  in  TRUTH  within  their  BEING. 

Mind  is  a  powerful  factor;  spirit  is  IN  ALL, 
ABOVE  ALL,  SURROUNDING  ALL,  but  it 
takes  the  expressive  force  of  DIVINE  LOVE 
(which  is  attentive  little  pleasantries)  to  harmon- 
ize the  whole.  It  takes  some  power  to  quicken  the 
harmonious  strains  that  meet  spirit  in  its  enliven- 
ing principles,  when  it  is  meant  to  ENTER  and 
HEAL  one  filled  with  corruption,  disease  of  mind 
or  body.  And  that  force  is  LOVE.  Holding  the 
thought  of  love,  in  a  Divine  sense,  DOES  HEAL; 
but  it  must  be  met  with  ACTION  to  send  its  mag- 
netic electric  force  through  corruption. 


168  PACE   TO   FACE 

An  act  of  love  calls  forth  in  the  mind  of  an 
invalid,  we  will  say,  some  sweet  thought  of  the 
one  enacting  love.  It  quickens  a  BRIGHT 
thought,  which  is  after  all  but  the  ILLUMINED 
PEESENCE  OF  GOD.  *^How  sweet  she  was  to 
bring  me  this.''  Sweet  thoughts  of  a  friend  are 
the  LITTLE  ROSEBUDS  in  life  that  eventually 
blossom  in  the  fullness  of  their  beauty  on  more 
stems  than  one.  It  is  none  other  than  grafting 
our  loved  ones  to  the  GREAT  SPIRIT  of  IN- 
FINITE AWAKENING.  The  outcome  oft  pass- 
eth  all  understanding.  To  me  a  friendly  expres- 
sion from  a  friend,  or  to  a  friend,  enthralls  me 
with  a  Divine  feeling  of  beauty  that  is  not 
equalled  in  any  other  expression  in  life  in  this 
world  of  things,  for  it  has  taught  me  what  a 
GREAT  AMOUNT  of  GOOD  CAN  be  accom- 
plished THROUGH  THINGS,  not  alone  upon 
this  plane,  but  in  the  KINGDOM  OF  HIS 
RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

**0,  what  in  the  world  do  you  want  to  give  her 
THAT  THING  FOR?*'  was  asked  of  one  who 
was  wrapping  up  neatly  a  little  package  of  just 
plain  Castor  Beans. 

**Why,  because  I  think  she  would  like  them; 
anyway,  I  feel  like  giving  them.'' 

Later  beneath  the  windows  of  an  apartment 
house  there  grew  castor  bean  plants.  They  hid 
from  view  a  place  that  was  not  only  an  eyesore, 
but  a  heartache.  One  day  a  girl,  gayly  attired 
stopped  and  asked  the  lady  who  owned  the  plants 


THE   DEEP   STILL   WATERS  169 

to  permit  her  to  linger  a  moment  among  them. 
The  lady  hesitated  only  a  moment — 

**Come  in,  dear;  why  do  you  want  to  linger 
under  my  castor  beans  f 

**  Because  we  had  them  on  the  farm.  OH, 
WOULD  I  WERE  AS  I  WAS  THEN!'' 

**And  can't  you  be?  WHY  NOT  BE  LIKE 
THE  CASTOR  PLANTS  YOU  LIKE;  BE 
HARDY,  STRONG,  and  DETERMINED  to 
grow  in  wholesome  ground?" 

The  girl  smiled  through  her  tears:  **WHAT 
A  BEAUTIFUL  THOUGHT!  I— I'M  GOING 
HOME!  And  I'm  going  to  PLANT  CASTOR 
BEANS  on  MOTHER'S  GRAVE;  she'll  under- 
stand. And  I'm  going  to  be  like  them.  I'm  go- 
ing to  keep  house  for  my  old  Dad  and  little  Ger- 
trude; she — she  needs  me." 

When  we  do  these  LITTLE  THINGS  we  do 
not  know  HOW  they  are  going  to  be  spiritual- 
ized, or  how  many  souls  it  may  appeal  to,  or  what 
kind  of  souls  it  may  save.  We  do  not  know  why, 
but  GOD  DOES,  for  He  has  planted  within  us 
the  desire  to  DO.  It  is  HAPPINESS  to  know 
and  see  and  feel  the  spirit  working  in  and  through 
our  affairs,  our  souls.  It  is  then  we  come  into 
the  great  understanding  of  the  spirit  that  moved 
upon  the  face  of  the  waters.  In  place  of  won- 
derment, we  see  the  NATURAL  PRODUCTION 
of  the  spoken  word. 

Were  that  word  not  spoken,  what  then?  Does 
this  not  exemplify  the  necessity  of  works  through 


170  FACE   TO   FACE 

faith?  Does  it  not  magnify  the  POWER  of 
spirit  to  penetrate  and  enliven  even  castor  bean 
plants,  one  of  the  least  of  these,  one  of  the 
coarser  of  these,  and  one  of  the  MOST  BEAU- 
TIFUL in  its  STRENGTH? 

The  one  who  plants  the  more  common-place 
plants  among  the  beautiful  in  his  garden,  will 
find  them  expressing  in  a  WAY  man  has  not 
dreamed  of.  In  the  veins  of  the  coarser  leaves, 
the  sturdy  stocks,  there  runs  the  same  Divine 
purpose  that  threads  its  way  through  the  more 
delicate  and  frail.  The  harmony  that  abounds 
when  these  two  come  in  contact  one  with  the  other, 
waylays  the  flash  of  color  that  is  sometimes  ex- 
pressed in  the  coarser,  and  brings  to  the  surface 
the  exquisite  veining  and  coloring  that  STANDS 
OUT  SO  CLEAR  in  its  COMPARISON.  It  takes 
these  two  to  SHOCK  our  sense,  as  it  were,  into 
the  REALIZATION  that  BOTH  of  these  are 
beautiful,  both  harmonious,  when  we  are  enabled 
to  SEE  THE  TRUTH  IN  THEM. 

What  could  be  more  beautiful  than  a  plant  of 
castor  beans  hovering,  like  a  protecting  spirit, 
above  a  tender  little  fern  that  could  not  live 
without  its  shade?  What  more  beautiful  than  a 
field  of  waving  corn  surrounded  by  a  beautiful 
green  hedge,  no  matter  at  what  season  it  may 
appear  in  the  LIFE  of  the  corn?  One  season 
shows  its  delicate  green,  another  its  golden  sheen ; 
what  then  but  the  co-mingling  of  harvest  and 
spring,  winter  and  fall. 

And  this  is  not  all  sentiment;  it  is  WISDOM, 


THE   DEEP   STILL   WATERS  171 

the  Divine,  showing  us  the  way.  **I  AM  THE 
WAY.'*  It  is  the  WAY  we  harmonize  these 
things,  by  right  thinking,  that  makes  their  value 
apparent  to  us. 

Works  through  faith  is  an  ART  in  which  God 
will  work  with  us,  if  we  will  open  our  souls  to 
the  inflow  of  the  DIVINE  SUBSTANCE  IN 
THINGS.  To  spiritualize  the  material,  is  to 
bring  it  into  Divine  harmony.  The  Bible  teaches 
us  this.  Faith  in  works  unlocks  the  doors  of 
limitation,  not  alone  for  self,  but  for  all  things  in 
the  earth,  under  the  earth,  and  above  the  earth; 
for  there  are  some  that,  even  now,  do  not  know 
the  boundaries  of  the  soul. 

It  is  the  nature  of  corruption  to  keep  on  affirm- 
ing its  destructive  forces  as  long  as  there  is  the 
least  outlet  for  its  escape,  whether  it  be  corrupt 
mind,  deed  or  disease.  The  antidote  is  pure  con- 
science, faith  in  works.  Nature's  Divine  remedies, 
nature's  medicinal  remedies.  ** First  Aid": — 
Appreciation  of  our  supply. 

^*And  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a  way  they 
know  not;  I  will  lead  them  in  paths  THAT  they 
have  not  known:  I  will  make  darkness  light  be- 
fore them,  and  crooked  things  straight.  These 
things  will  I  do  unto  them,  and  not  forsake 
them. "  *  *  I  am  the  Lord ;  that  IS  my  name ;  And 
I  will  not  give  to  another  neither  my  praise  nor 
graven  images." 

**But  this  is  a  people  robbed  and  spoiled; 
THEY  ARE  all  of  them  snared  in  holes,  and  they 
are  hid  in  prison  houses;  they  are  for  a  prey, 


172  FACE   TO   FACE 

and  none  delivereth;  for  a  spoil,  and  none  say 
EESTORK*' 

*^Who  among  you  will  give  ear  to  this?  WHO 
will  harken  and  hear  for  the  time  to  come?  I, 
EVEN  I,  AM  the  Lord;  and  beside  me  THERE 
IS  no  Saviour.'* 

The  Bible  is  a  work  of  SOUL  ART;  it  is  the 
WORD  of  one  who  said:  **I,  EVEN  I,  am 
LORD. ''  In  it  is  the  redeeming  quality  of  FAITH 
by  works.  It  is  the  substance  of  HIS  WILL.  It 
is  an  inspired  account  of  what  was  and  is,  and 
will  be,  a  prophecy,  a  truth,  a  book  of  love,  a 
book  of  commandments  that  would  redeem  the 
world  from  sickness,  sin  and  death,  were  these 
commandments  OBEYED.  In  its  grandeur  there 
can  be  no  imitation.  It  stands  alone,  the  ONE 
INSPIRED  BOOK  of  soul  culture,  history  and 
Infinite  wisdom.  **The  Lord  my  God  seest  me'' 
is  one  of  the  thrills  that  descend  through  the 
vaporous  ether,  an  inspiration  to  those  who  seek 
Him.  In  it  is  so  much  that  is  wonderful,  THE 
LORD,  MY  GOD,  seest  me.  The  profound  fact 
rings  in  every  word  that  HE  IS  near;  His  per- 
sonal presence  is  an  inspiration  to  one  and  all 
alike,  whether  it  be  in  writing,  works  of  a  ma- 
terial nature,  art,  literature,  the  GREAT  things 
or  the  LITTLE  things,  ^^THE  LORD  MY  GOD 
SEEST  ME." 

The  scriptures  are  wholesome,  and  give  joy 
to  those  who  will  wade  through  material  things 
to  reach  it.  The  Bible  is  an  inspired  book  with 
BIG  WINDOWS  where  we  may  look  into  the 


THE    DEEP    STILL   WATERS  173 

great  open  fields  of  spirit,  and  therein  become 
happy,  wholesome  and  strong.  The  truth  has 
ever  been  fought  for,  will  be  fought  for,  until 
it  is  expressed  fully  in  the  lives  of  mankind. 

The  curse  rests  with  him  who  carries  his  doubts 
around  the  world  in  a  pack,  until  they  become 
worm-eaten  objects  contaminating  the  peace  and 
happiness  of  countless  souls.  Such  thoughts 
breed  discontent  with  self,  with  God  and  the  uni- 
verse. 

The  wholesome  man^s  house  is  a  perpetual 
inspiration,  in  which  the  most  sacred  moments 
of  his  life  are  spent,  the  most  restful,  the  most 
wonderful.  The  Bible  is  the  foundation  of  that 
home.    In  it  lies  the  destiny  of  man. 

I  have  so  many  times  been  thankful  for  the 
hours  of  prayer  that  have  been  spent  in  the 
homes  of  those  near  and  dear  to  me;  there  was 
an  atmosphere  there  whose  fragrance  will  never 
leave  me.  Home  prayer  is  the  most  momentous 
moment  in  the  life  of  a  family,  though  it  may 
seem  not  so  at  the  time.  Its  influence  is  broad- 
cast. The  WORDS,  so  beautifully  uttered  by 
the  lips  we  love,  never  lose  their  influence. 

We  rise  from  our  knees  and  look  wonderingly 
at  last  year's  spray  of  mistletoe  we  had  dreaded 
to  throw  away,  and  somehow  it  teaches  us  again 
and  again,  in  its  wondrous  way,  to  hold  together, 
though  the  strand  seems  weak.  It  teaches  us 
unity  of  purpose;  even  though  it  be  a  parasite 
living  on  others,  still  it  brings  in  return  a  strange 
fascinating  chivalry  with  the  Yule  log;  an  artis- 


174  FACE    TO   FACE 

tic  stream  of  prose  and  poetry,  love,  romance 
and  dreams;  a  spirit  that  penetrates  the  hearts 
of  old  and  young  alike  with  the  joy  of  the  first 
kiss,  and  the  sweet  assurance  abiding  in  the  last. 
Triumphantly  it  hangs  its  beautiful  branches 
upon  our  most  sacred  memories,  never  to  be  for- 
gotten. 

We  feel  His  illumined  presence  as  we  walk  to 
the  window,  proclaiming  the  beauty  of  the  morn- 
ing, when  we  are  attracted  by  a  swarm  of  honey 
bees  happily  humming  around  yonder  tree.  It  is 
one  of  the  schemes  in  nature  TO  FILL  THE 
KNOT  HOLES  WITH  HONEY.  It  is  the  supply 
of  God's  kingdom  descending  for  the  use  of  man. 
It  is  the  song  God  sings  in  the  heart  of  nature, 
the  song  of  truth,  the  inspiration  of  love. 
^^GO  THOU  AND  DO  LIKEWISE.'' 

This  proclaims  His  love.  His  goodness.  His 
wisdom.  His  mercy,  in  little  things  not  made  with 
hands.     PRAISE  BE. 

INGERSOLL:  ^^Why  should  there  be  more 
than  one  correct  account  of  what  happened?  Why 
were  four  gospels  necessary?  It  seems  to  me 
that  one  inspired  gospel  containing  all  that  hap- 
pened, was  enough  copies  of  one  correct  ac- 
count. According  to  Dr.  Davidson,  it  remains 
a  guess  that  there  were  four  in  number,  because 
there  are  four  universal  winds,  four  corners  of 
the  globe.  Others  have  said,  *  There  are  four  sea- 
sons,' and  these  gentlemen  might  have  added, 
*  Because  a  donkey  has  four  legs.'  " 

LOTUS :    Let  us  go  to  the  heart  of  things  for 


THE   DEEP    STILL   WATERS  175 

our  answer.  FOUR  represents  the  generating 
virtues  whence  come  all  combinations,  is  the  most 
perfect  of  numbers,  the  root  of  all  things.  It  is 
Holy  in  nature,  since  it  constitutes  the  Divine 
essence  by  recalling  HIS  UNITY,  His  power, 
His  goodness  and  His  wisdom,  **the  four  perfec- 
tions which  especially  characterize  God." 
EVEEYTHING  has  a  DIVINE  SUBSTANCE, 
exemplified  through  the  DIVINE  ESSENCE  of 
His  power,  unity,  wisdom  and  love. 

**You  cannot  improve  on  Me  at  all  saith 
the  Lord." 

INGEESOLL:  ^^The  object  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment is  the  cruelty  said  to  have  been  commanded 
by  God.    And  all  these  cruelties  caused  death." 

LOTUS :  The  CAUSE  of  sin  is  strongly  pic- 
tured in  the  Old  Testament;  how  to  overcome 
sin  is  equally  as  strongly  pictured  in  the  NEW. 
It  is  not  because  man  does  not  understand  the 
commandments  that  they  are  not  obeyed;  it  is 
because  he  fears  them,  fears  to  let  go  the  things 
necessary  to  enact  them.  We  are  COMPELLED 
to  see  the  result  of  disobedience  to  the  higher  law 
through  sorrow  and  disappointments. 

INGEESOLL:  *^I  do  not  want  to  be  born 
again." 

LOTUS:  God  gives  to  EVEEY  MAN  LIB- 
EETY.  Just  as  long  as  man  neglects  the  call  of 
His  likeness  and  image,  just  that  long  will  he 
struggle  in  darkness.  To  adhere  to  the  truth  in 
all  things  is  to  accept  Christ;  it  is  to  have  a  new 
heart;  it  is  to  be  BOEN  AGAIN, 


176  FACE   TO   FACE 

The  fruit  of  the  spirit  is  like  the  paw-paw 
tree;  it  hangs  low,  within  the  reach  of  man;  the 
secret  is  KNOWING  how  to  receive  it.  Man 
does  not  always  see  the  road  clear  to  obtain  it, 
because  he  refuses  to  let  go  the  things  that  are 
necessary  to  pure  conscience,  in  which  all  things 
pure  are  habitable:  **the  spirit  and  the  fruit 
thereof. ' ' 

It  is  opportune  here  to  mention  some  queries 
presented  by  L.  B.  Benjamin  some  time  back. 
He  remarked  also  that  these  queries  had  never 
been  answered.  But  he  does  not  say  they  might 
NEVER  BE  ANSWERED. 

L.  B.  BENJAMIN:  **Can  you  tell  me  why 
the  Christian  priests  destroyed  nearly  all  the 
Historical  writings  of  PLOTINUSr* 

LOTUS:  To  CONSERVE  the  moral  conduct 
of  future  generations,  fearing  they  might  be  MIS- 
UNDERSTOOD and  MISUSED. 

L.  B.  BENJAMIN:  **Can  you  tell  me  why 
POPE  GEORGE  VII  destroyed  the  Library  of 
the  PALATINE  APOLLONIUS  which  contained 
the  whole  of  the  writings  of  the  school  of  ALEX- 
ANDRIA, from  days  of  POTAMON  to  the  one 
MAXIMUS?" 

LOTUS:  They  did  not  conform  to  the 
IDEALS  of  Pope  George  VII  in  that  it  would 
affect  the  literature  of  the  present  day,  against 
Catholicism;  that  is,  it  held  too  many  varying 
statements  to  be  at  large,  according  to  Pope 
George's  ideals. 

He  had  another  plan  by  which  he  HOPED  to 


THE   DEEP   STILL   WATERS  177 

gain  the  attentions  of  the  universe.  This  hope 
was  never  fulfilled.  Had  it  been  there  would  have 
been  an  entirely  different  conception  of  religious 
tactics,  and  would  have  very  materially  helped 
the  world. 

The  motives  of  Pope  George  VII  were  good; 
his  tactics  severe.  He  was  above  the  average 
man  in  spiritual  qualities;  he  held  not  only  the 
spiritual  sacred  but  the  material  as  well.  He  had 
a  gnawing  fear  that  the  world  at  large  would 
sooner  or  later  be  contaminated  with  what  he 
BELIEVED  to  be  a  wrong. 

L.  B.  BENJAMIN:  ^^Can  you  tell  why  the 
ACTS  OF  THE  APOSTLES  have  been  handed 
down  as  Acts  of  the  Apostles  of  Christ,  when  it 
was  fully  understood  up  to  323  A.  D.  that  the 
story  related  to  the  acts  of  the  Apollonius  of 
Layana  ?  * ' 

LOTUS:  The  ACTS  were  sincerely  and  Di- 
vinely whole.  The  authors  of  them  were  no 
doubt  the  reflection  of  the  world-wide  theopsy 
of  Layana,  inasmuch  as  they  were  delivered  at 
the  time  of  Christ. 

Man  must  become  attuned  to  receive  Divine 
Truth;  it  takes  a  great  amount  of  patience,  faith 
and  self  sacrifice  to  reach  the  SOURCE  of  Di- 
vine understanding.  We  must  learn  to  watch, 
wait  and  pray.  Just  because  the  voice  says  little 
things,  is  no  cause  to  turn  aside  from  it.  Obe- 
dience to  the  first  call  leads  to  greater,  grander 
heights,  until  it  develops  into  the  great  at-one- 
ness,  in  which  all  things  are  made  possible.  When 


178  FACE   TO  FACi] 

we  ask  questions  of  mortal  man  we  want  to  take 
God  into  our  plans.  The  answer  will  come  with- 
out effort,  and  to  us  personally,  in  some  unseen 
way,  by  some  unseen  force,  that  will  materialize 
the  truth  for  us. 

INGERSOLL:  ^'According  to  the  Bible,  Je- 
hovah made  the  world  in  five  days,  and  the  work 
done  each  day  is  described.  What  did  Jehovah 
do  on  the  second  day?  This  is  the  record :  *And 
the  Lord  said,  let  there  be  a  firmament  in  the 
midst  of  the  waters,  and  let  it  divide  the  waters 
from  the  waters.^  ^And  God  made  the  firma- 
ment and  divided  the  waters  which  were  above 
the  firmament,  heaven,  and  the  evening  and  the 
morning  were  the  second  day.' 

**The  writer  of  this  believed  in  a  solid  firma- 
ment, the  floor  of  Jehovah's  house.  He  believed 
that  waters  had  been  divided,  and  that  the  rain 
came  from  above  the  firmament  and  did  not  un- 
derstand the  fact  of  evaporation;  did  not  know 
that  the  rain  came  down  from  the  waters  on  the 
earth.  Now,  we  know  there  is  no  firmament, 
and  we  know  that  waters  are  not  divided  by  a 
firmament;  consequently  we  know  that,  accord- 
ing to  the  Bible,  Jehovah  did  nothing  on  the  sec- 
ond day.  He  must  have  rested  on  Tuesday.  This 
being  so,  we  ought  to  have  two  Sundays." 

LOTUS:  It  would  seem  that  the  second  day 
was  the  one  in  which  He  did  the  GREATEST 
work.  LET  THERE  BE  A  FIRMAMENT. 
The  POWER  OF  THE  SPOKEN  WORD.  We 
also    know    that    above    the    earth    there    exist 


THE   DEEP    STILL    WATERS  179 

realms  of  a  higher  intelligence  than  our  own. 
If  you  do  not  know  this,  you  have  never  sought 
the  working  power  of  higher  intelligences. 

**In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heavens 
and  the  earth,  and  the  earth  was  without  form 
and  void,  and  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of  the 
deep,  and  the  SPIRIT  OF  GOD  MOVED  upon 
the  face  of  the  water,  and  God  said,  *LET 
THERE  BE  LIGHT  and  THERE  WAS 
LIGHT.'  God  saw  that  the  light  was  good,  and 
God  divided  the  light  from  darkness,  and  God 
called  the  light  DAY,  and  the  darkness  He  called 
NIGHT,  and  the  evening  and  the  morning  were 
the  FIRST  day.  And  God  said.  Let  there  be  a 
firmament  in  the  midst  of  the  waters,  and  let 
it  divide  the  waters  from  the  waters,  and  God 
made  the  firmament  and  DIVIDED  the  waters 
which  were  above  the  firmament  from  the  waters 
which  were  under  the  firmament,  and  IT  WAS 
SO.  And  God  called  the  firmament  heaven,  and 
the  evening  and  the  morning  were  the  second 
day.'' 

Spirit  is  a  vital  force,  dynamic,  electrical,  mag- 
netic, chemical,  substance;  Spirit  is  light,  electric 
energy.  Light  in  air  has  a  velocity  of  299,828 
kilometers  per  second.  As  spirit  is  LIGHT,  in- 
telligence, it  must  travel  at  the  same  rate.  Its 
dynamic  nature  would  intensify  this  fact;  hence 
Spirit  is  Omnipotent,  Omnipresent,  Omniscient 
power  that  MOVED  ON  THE  FACE  OF  THE 
WATER. 

THE  SECOND  DAY  (TUESDAY)  was  a  day 


180  FACE   TO   FACE 

of  SPIEITUAL  TRIUMPH.  We  have  a  spirit, 
spirit  has  a  home;  ether  is  a  subtle  medium  fill- 
ing space;  there,  we  have  a  firmament. 

INGERSOLL:  ^*  There  was  issuing  from  the 
garden  a  river  that  was  parted  into  four  heads; 
the  first  of  these,  Pison,  compassed  the  Holy 
Land  HAVILAH;  and  the  second,  GIHON,  that 
composed  the  whole  land  of  ETHIOPIA;  the 
third,  HEDDEAEL,  that  flowed  towards  the 
east,  ASSYRIA;  and  the  fourth,  EUPHRATES. 
Where  are  THESE  FOUR  RIVERS  NOW?  The 
brave  prow  of  discovery  has  visited  every  sea, 
the  traveler  has  pressed  with  weary  feet  the  soil 
of  every  clime,  and  yet  there  have  been  found 
no  place  from  which  four  rivers  sprang.  The 
EUPHRATES  still  journeys  to  the  gulf,  but 
where  are  Pison  and  Gihon  and  the  mighty 
HEDDEAEL?  The  account  of  these  four  rivers 
is  what  the  Rev.  David  Swing  would  call  a  geo- 
graphical poem.  The  Orthodox  covers  the  whole 
affair  with  the  blanket  of  ALLEGORY.'' 

LOTUS :  Some  few  years  ago  it  was  my  pleas- 
ure to  meet  an  old  Egyptian  named  OL'AH.  We 
conversed  at  length  upon  this  subject,  as  it  had 
always  been  of  great  interest  to  me.  I  will  give 
you  OL'AH'S  version  of  it. 

**The  formation  of  onyx  and  gold  would  tend 
to  point  to  the  fact  that  these  four  heads,  so  to 
speak,  were  formed  underground;  undoubtedly 
an  underground  current,  or  after  the  manner  of 
an  underground  current.    These  are  more  power- 


THE   DEEP   STILL   WATERS  181 

ful  and  natural  than  mankind  usually  imagines 
them  to  be. 

*^Eemarkable  instances  of  erosive  action  are 
almost  everywhere  to  be  observed;  rivers  have 
hollowed  out  channels  through  great  mountain 
ranges.  This  would  be  called  not  only  powerful, 
but  MIGHTY;  yet,  it  is  but  the  persistent  push- 
ing forward,  brooking  no  stoppage,  that  accom- 
plished it.  This  same  expression  could  take  place 
underground.  A  hundred  theories  COULD  be 
supplied,  but  the  resounding  fact  remains  that 
man  has  ever  looked  on  the  surface  of  things, 
forgetting  there  is  great  food  for  thought,  great 
truths,  great  wonders,  in  the  substance  beneath 
the  surface.  Wonderful  wellsprings  of  wealth 
and  beauty  lieth  there. 

**We  would  say  in  Egypt,  Hhe  camels  bend 
their  knees  because  they  find  wisdom  as  well  as 
rest,  chewing  the  cud  of  Madrigal.'  So  let  the 
rivers  flow  on,  little  friend,  near  kin  thou  art 
to  them." 

We  said  good-by  for  the  day,  leaving  me  won- 
dering.   Why  kin  I,  to  rivers,  great  or  small? 

OL'AH  will  soon  be  speeding  along  in  a  bor- 
rowed Pulkha,  for  it  is  the  dream  of  his  dear  old 
heart  to  live  for  a  time  with  the  Laplander,  that 
he  may  return  again  bringing  more  wisdom.  He 
is  a  man  of  many  travels,  a  man  that  lives  very 
close  to  God,  seeking  wisdom  in  all  things.  Our 
pumpkins  in  a  pie  were  his  greatest  wonder, 
and  was  enough,  thought  he,  to  wag  his  head  in 
friendly  fashion  to  all  pumpkin  venders. 


182  FACE   TO  FACE 

INGEESOLL :  '  ^  Can  any  reason  be  given  for 
not  allowing  man  to  eat  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree 
of  knowledge?  What  kind  of  tree  was  it?  If  it 
was  all  an  ALLEGORY,  what  truth  is  sought  to 
be  conveyed?  Why  should  God  object  to  the 
fruit  being  eaten  by  man?  Why  did  he  put  it  in 
the  Garden  of  Eden?  There  was  certainly  plenty 
of  room  outside.  If  he  wanted  to  keep  the  tree 
and  man  apart,  why  did  he  put  them  together? 
And  why,  after  he  had  eaten,  did  he  thrust  them 
out?'' 
LOTUS: 

Oh  tempter,  serpent,  from  whence  spring- 

est  thou? 
Out  of  the  fount  of  knowledge  of  sinful 

things,  I  vow. 
It  was  true  with  Adam,  and  it  is  true  with 

yon. 
Awake,  oh  mortal  man,  to  the  pure,  the  true ! 

Why  did  God  plant  the  tree  in  the  Garden  of 
Eden  and  place  man  therein?  Because  it  is  a 
part  of  the  great  scheme  of  evolution.  Adam  and 
Eve  were  spiritual  beings,  but  not  EXALTED 
spiritual  beings.  The  spirit,  by  EXPERIENCE 
through  the  material,  evolutionizes  to  its  proper 
sphere,  as  ^'old  is  refined  by  fire.  Spirit  is  NOT 
INFALLIBLE  TO  TEMPTATIONS  until  it  IS 
exalted  by  the  power  of  overcoming  trials  and 
temptations;  until  it  has  withdrawn  into  the 
shelter  of  His  truths,  wherein  there  can  be  no 
error;  hence: 

*  *  Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan, ' ' 


THE   DEEP    STILL   WATERS  183 

The  fall  of  Adam  created  a  new  condition  in 
Adam  that  did  not  harmonize  with  pure  spirit  in 
the  Garden  of  Eden,  so  he  was  transplanted  to 
an  environment  he  had  created  for  himself; 
nevertheless,  he  wore  the  coat  of  God's  eternal 
care  and  protection. 

We  cannot  pass  through  this  world  and  not 
leave  pictures  on  the  wall  VISIBLE  to  spirit, 
FELT  by  mortal,  ENACTED  by  the  susceptible, 
ENFORCED  by  evil.  To  act  criminally  is  to 
incriminate.  To  enact  the  beautiful,  is  to  come 
in  tune  with  the  laws  of  the  universe,  the  laws 
of  nature:  hence  the  tuneful  setting  of  vibrant 
chords  ^^In  tune  with  the  Infinite.''  The  melody 
of  Divine  knowledge  is  quickly  attained;  in  fact, 
it  is  already  obtained. 

INGERSOLL:  ^^Why  did  God  call  to  Adam 
in  the  cool  of  the  day?" 

LOTUS :  Because  it  is  then  the  ether  is  purged 
with  purity.  In  the  cool  of  the  day,  in  this  day 
and  age,  commerce  loses  the  fever  of  effort,  birds 
huddle  closer  to  their  brood,  inciting  sleep ;  MAN 
seeks  the  shelter  of  home,  peace  and  rest.  The 
cool  of  the  day  is  not  only  purged  with  ethereal 
purity,  but  the  earth  takes  on  activities  in  growth, 
LIFE.  Vegetation  is  quickened  and  refreshed; 
thus  we  experience  the  harmonious  workings  of 
Divine  purpose  that  embraces  ALL.  The  fevered 
brow,  the  parched  fields,  the  tired  animals  relax 
and  become  active  in  repose  of  souL 

Again  we  find  the  sweetest  LYRIC  ever  sung: 

*  *  The  pure  in  heart  shall  see  God. ' ' 


184  FACE   TO   FACE 

Earth  is  a  dormant  mass  that  holds  the  quali- 
ties of  LIFE.  It  has  an  abundance  of  healing 
qualities  that  aside  from  life  tend  to  complete 
life.  It  holds  a  great  creative  principle  that  is 
marvelous  in  constructive  principles.  THE  LIT- 
TLE HANDFUL  OF  EARTH  we  term  city  lots 
may  hold  YOUR  LIFE  in  its  meshes.  It  has  the 
power  to  give  strength  and  pleasure,  so  quietly, 
so  softly,  that  you  do  not  realize  it  as  one  of  the 
POWERS  THAT  BE.  We  have  not  as  yet  fath- 
omed the  full  value  of  magnetic  qualities  in  earth. 
These  are  free  agents  quietly  waiting  for  the 
intelligence  of  man  to  bring  forth  the  facts  and 
expressive  forces  for  the  welfare  of  man. 

It  is  wonderful  to  look  in  the  face  of  a  fellow 
man  and  see  the  BEGINNING  OF  LIGHT,  the 
end  of  which  is  not  seen  by  mortal  eye:  Light 
may  come  e'en  through  the  bewitching  little 
springs  that  we  come  across  so  unexpectedly  on 
our  journeys  o'er  hill  and  dale.  They  give  to 
us  not  alone  the  refreshing  water,  but  feed  the 
soul  with  a  delightful  charm  and  beauty.  When 
the  soul  is  fed  with  the  picturesque,  it  soothes 
away  the  hard  and  rugged,  and  infuses  a  spirit- 
ual loveliness.  The  esthetic  nature  is  gratified, 
and  we  return  home  with  the  blessings  of  bea- 
tific vision  surging  within  our  souls. 

As  the  earth  was  first  etherealized,  and  then 
materialized,  and  all  that  is  therein,  it  is  a  Divine 
GIFT,  coming  from  a  Divine  SOURCE,  and  is 
electrical  in  composition  and  power,  proving  con- 
clusively that  God  created  the  world. 


THE   DEEP   STILL   WATERS  185 

The  subtle  electrical  force  of  spirit,  the  peculiar 
properties  of  water  brought  together,  may  have  a 
greater  tendency  to  create  and  enliven  than  man 
may  suppose.  The  power  of  the  spoken  word 
etherealizes,  and  then  materializes,  thought  ob- 
jects. When  we  pause  to  drink  at  the  fount  of 
spiritual  knowledge  we  kiss  the  hem  of  His  gar- 
ment, wherein  He  reveals  unto  us  new  truths, 
that  we  may  rise  and  see  Him  face  to  face. 

THE  WAKE  ROBIN'S  SECEET  THOUGHT 

Thoughts  that  are  good,  where  goest 
thou? 

*  *  On  to  the  next  impressionable  Mind  that 
enacts  me.*' 

Thoughts  that  are  evil,  where  goest  thou? 

**I  find  my  kind,  and  seek  to  bury  my 
talons  in  them.'' 

Christlike  thoughts  go  home  to  God.  Evil 
thoughts,  like  Aaron's  rod,  a  ser- 
pent turneth  into. 

INGERSOLL:  ^*Why  should  God  demand 
praise  ? ' ' 

LOTUS :  Until  man  becomes  ATTUNED  TO 
GOD  AND  THE  HIGHER  FORCES,  he  CAN- 
NOT SING  PRAISES.  Praise  is  an  expression 
of  SOUL  FILLED  WITH  LIGHT.  When  man 
comes  into  the  realization  of  his  OWN  INHER- 
ENT POWERS,  his  soul  will  sing  out  at  the 
GLORY  OF  THE  LORD;  Praise  with  celestial 
ardor,  bounds  to  the  God  who  beckons ;  The  Lord 
is  risen!    Lord  of  Lords,  and  Host  of  Hosts  I 


186  FACE    TO   FACE 

To  live  in  the  highest  expression  of  truth  is  to 
praise  the  Lord  continually.  We  praise  the  Lord 
when  we  use  our  minds  intelligently  in  PURE 
CONSCIENCE. 

The  Wake  Robin  was  calling.    I  was  happy. 

OL^AH  had  come  again  to  see  the  country  he 
had  so  learned  to  love.  We  were  quietly  talking 
away  when  he  expressed  a  desire  to  go  to  Spook 
Hollow,  about  seven  and  one-half  miles  from  the 
center  of  the  city.  Gladly  I  accepted,  contempla- 
ting a  good  story  by  the  way. 

We  wandered  near  the  ruins  of  an  old  fort, 
coming  to  Spook  Hollow  about  sunset.  We  soon 
came  to  an  old  tower.  It  looked  weird,  seemingly 
without  top  or  bottom,  toppling  on  its  side  in 
such  fantastic  manner.  I  looked  amazedly  about ; 
a  glad  cry  came  from  my  lips  as  I  plucked  a  rose 
from  a  bush  on  which  there  was  not  a  leaf  or  bud 
left,  just  that  one  lone  rose.  I  raised  the  beauti- 
ful flower  to  the  lips  of  my  friend:  ^^Poor  thing,*' 
I  said,  *^it  is  so  lonely!" 

*^Nay,  my  child,''  said  OPah  with  emotion,  *4t 
is  shedding  its  fragrance  in  God's  garden.  Come, 
child;  let  us  mount  our  camels  in  fancy  and  go 
to  Egypt,  to  the  Valley  of  the  Nile. 

*^It  is  about  this  time  of  the  evening,  we  will 
say;  a  beautiful  Mohammedan  lady  stands  in 
front  of  SEPH,  hanging  her  head  in  distress ;  she 
looks-  up  like  a  wounded  deer  at  bay :  '  OH  WHY 
does  not  the  COMFORTER  COME?  When  I 
was  in  ABU  HASHIM  (Echo  Hill)  the  spirit 
CRIED  WITHIN  ME ;  but  over  the  sea  I  could 
feel  coming  towards  me  the  INFINITE  GLORY 


The  deep  still  waters  ist 

OF  A  NEW  GOD,  A  GOD  WHO  SPOKE  TO 
MY  HEART,  A  GOD  SUCH  AS  I  HAVE 
NEVER  SEEN;  OH  WHY  does  He  not  come?  I 
WILL  AWAY— AWAY— until  I  HAVE  FOUND 
THIS  strange  new  God  who  speaks  to  the  hearts 
of  men!' 

*^To  Cairo  she  begged  her  father  to  take  her. 
After  many  months  they  arrived.  ^On,  on  to 
ELVANDRA!'  she  cried.  Her  heart  was  heavy 
within  her;  she  had  not  yet  found  her  God. 

^  ^  One  lovely  Sabbath  morning  the  beautiful  one 
sought  a  friend  whom  she  asked  to  take  her  to  a 
place  where  she  might  find  this  God  of  her 
dreams,  whose  voice  she  had  heard  in  the  silence 
of  soul.  The  friend  saw  her  need,  and  took  her 
to  COPPTA,  where  they  taught  the  CHRISTIAN 
RELIGION.  Her  eyes  wandered  dreamily  over 
those  within;  she  murmured,  *The  GOD — I  can- 
not see;  but  HERE,  HERE,  I  FEEL— I  FEEL!' 
striking  her  breast  in  ecstasv.  ^THE  CHRIS- 
TIAN MAN,  HE  SPEAKS  GOD,  and  I— I 
KNOW!' 

**And  so,'*  said  OPah,  **she  kept  her  heart  per- 
fect unto  the  coming  of  the  Lord.  Happy  the 
heart  of  one  who  SPEAKS  the  WORD  OF 
GOD." 

We  wandered  back  home  through  the  fast 
gathering  twilight;  I  held  my  rose  TIGHT;  the 
heart  of  the  Wake  Robin  throbbing  happily 
against  my  bosom. 

INGERSOLL:  ^^I  believe  in  observation, 
reason   and    experience,    the    blessed   trinity   of 


188  FACE   TO  FACE 

LOTUS:  Eeason  is  within  the  vale  of  JUS- 
TICE, which  is  Godliness.  Observation  is  not 
dependable  at  ALL  TIMES;  too  many  see 
through  SMOKED  GLASSES.  Science  is  all 
this,  and  more ;  WAS,  from  the  beginning.  Some 
experiences  oppose  the  growth  of  the  soul;  man 
puts  on  the  Toga  of  ADVEESITY,  making  him- 
self UNABLE  to  judge  or  reason.  The  science 
of  the  Bible  tells  us  HOW  to  HARMONIZE 
EXPERIENCE,  OBSERVATION  and  REA- 
SON into  one  perfect  EVER  PRESENT  PRIN- 
CIPLE, KNOWLEDGE,  UNITY  WITH  DI- 
VINE. MAGNITUDE  of  THOUGHT  depends 
upon  being  in  TUNE  with  Divine  INTELLI- 
GENCE, in  which  flow  the  crystal  stream  of 
EXACTNESS,  PERFECTNESS,  which  is 
FOUR  SQUARE,  the  generating  virtues,  the 
ROOT  OF  ALL  THINGS,  UNITY,  GOODNESS, 
WISDOM. 

INGERSOLL:  ^*The  story  of  Lot^s  wife  be- 
ing turned  into  a  pillar  of  salt  is  extremely  un- 
scientific. ' ' 

LOTUS:  On  the  contrary,  it  IS  Science, 
through  which  the  Divine  worketh.  STALKING 
PARALYSIS  is  a  PRIMEVAL  DISEASE,  and 
is  most  often  caused  by  fear  or  dread.  When 
Lot^s  wife  turned  back,  she  may  have  been  ter- 
rorized by  some  thought  of  fear  for  herself  or 
Lot,  thus  paralyzing  the  nerve  centers,  causing 
STALKING  PARALYSIS.  We  must  take  also 
into  consideration  that  the  body  has  much  salt 
or  sodium  in  its  composition.    Just  what  chemi- 


THE   DEEP   STILL   WATERS  189 

cal  change  would  take  place  after  the  death  of 
the  body,  would  depend  upon  the  climatic  and 
ethereal  conditions. 

Salt  and  sodium  enfold  crystallized  ether. 
There  being  great  beds  of  salt  in  that  part  of 
the  country,  the  ether  or  air  would  naturally  be 
permeated  with  it.  It  is  not  impossible  that 
Lot's  wife  was  affected  with  stalking  paralysis. 
Lime  eats  the  body  when  it  is  covered  with  its 
biting  substance;  then  why  should  not  salt,  with 
its  penetrating  crystallizing  effect,  turn  a  body 
into  a  pillar  of  salt,  undergoing  a  chemical 
change! 

Aside  from  that,  a  lesson  is  taught  by  the  inci- 
dent, whether  it  be  STALKING  PARALYSIS, 
the  POWER  OF  THE  SPOKEN  WORD,  OR 
BOTH.  It  is  this :  That  those  looking  back  find 
the  way  undone.  Time  goes  on,  man  goes  on, 
there  is  no  backward  tread  to  progression.  The 
skeleton  lingers  in  the  background,  the  soul 
goes  on.  DUST  TO  DUST  is  but  a  phase  of 
what  HAS  been,  not  what  IS.  Lot's  wife  was 
told  to  GO  ON  and  NOT  look  back;  also,  she 
was  given  the  substance  (body)  to  go  on. 

THERE  IS  A  TIME  WHEN  A  LAUGH  is 
not  a  laugh,  but  the  echo  of  a  SHRUNKEN 
SOUL. 

ONWARD 

INGERSOLL:  **FOR  three  hundred  years 
the  Christian  world  endeavored  to  rescue  from 
the  infidel  the  empty  sepulcher  of  Christ.  For 
three  hundred  years  the  army  of  the  cross  was 


190  FACE    TO   FACE 

baffled  and  beaten  by  the  victorious  beasts  of  an 
impudent  impostor.  The  people  found  that  com- 
merce made  friends  where  religion  made  enemies. 
For  ages  a  deadly  conflict  has  been  waged  be- 
tween a  few  brave  men  and  women  of  thought 
and  genius  upon  one  side,  and  the  great  IGNO- 
EANT  EELIGIOUS  MASS  on  the  other. 

LOTUS:  Commerce  makes  friends  just  so 
long  as  it  profits  the  universal  mind.  Back  of 
the  friendship  of  commerce  rises  a  great  desire 
to  build  cities,  clean  cities,  to  inhabit  them,  with 
churches,  with  art,  culture,  refinement;  back  of 
the  great  commercial  world  lies  the  force  that 
DOES  things.  The  great  religious  masses  have 
built  churches  for  the  ^^FEW  LITTLE  BEAVE 
MEN'^  to  play  peek-a-boo  around,  while  they 
were  BUSY  BUILDING  wonderful  tabernacles 
for  the  growth  of  the  soul.  This  great  mass 
wanted  to  build  institutions,  wanted  to  grow,  and 
they  DID  grow.  They  wanted  to  provide  homes 
for  those  who  could  not  provide  homes  for  them- 
selves when  the  frost  of  time  comes  on  and  they 
find  themselves  homeless. 

Had  we  no  religious  tactics,  the  few  little  brave 
men  would  have  to  hide  their  women  folk  in  the 
cellar.  We  should  have  more  respect  UNTO 
OUE  OWN.  We  are  liberators  in  one  GEEAT 
CAUSE — the  betterment  of  humanity.  This 
state  cannot  be  found  until  man  shows  more 
respect  for  his  fellow  man;  until  he  ceases  to 
lind  fault,  and  lends  a  hand  to  BETTEE  condi- 
tions, through  the  perfecting  of  self 


THE    DEEP    STILL    WATERS  191 

There  is  nothing  worth  having  unless  it  is 
^orth  working  for.  GOD  IS  AT  THE  HELM; 
HE  Wn.L  HELP  YOU  OVER  and  OVER 
AGAIN.  We  never  fully  appreciate  anything 
until  someone  tries  to  take  it  away  from  us. 
Dost  not  know  the  difference  between  carnate 
and  decarnate  life  (Life  expressing  in  a  spirit- 
ual sense,  or  life  expressing  in  a  material  sense)  I 

Our  needs  will  be  supplied,  whether  it  be  then 
or  now,  that  immortal  day  when  we  find  the  way 
to  the  seven  or  eight,  or  maybe  more.  But  God 
is  in  the  firmament. 

Life  is  not  a  fable,  but  fact,  and  must  be  met 
AS  FACT.  Fact  is  the  supreme  knot  that  binds 
man  to  reason.  A  life  lived  against  the  highest 
principles  of  being  leads  on  down,  down,  to  the 
gallows;  for  such  is  the  soul  in  bondage,  ever 
hanging,  never  hung;  eternal  punishment,  or  the 
agony  of  sin. 

INGERSOLL:  **The  church  says,  *  Believe 
and  obey.'  If  you  reason,  you  will  become  a 
non-believer;  you  will  be  lost.  If  you  obey,  you 
will  do  so  through  vain  curiosity,  and  that  will, 
like  Adam  and  Eve,  thrust  you  from  the  Garden 
forever. ' ' 

LOTUS:  Obedience  is  the  FIRST  LAW  OF 
NATURE;  it  is  the  HIGHEST  expression  of 
order.  Spring  uncovers  her  head  from  the  win- 
try snows;  once  uncovered  she  obeys  the  law 
of  EXISTING  FORCES  until  the  harvest  comes 
on,  when  it  plays  a  GREATER  part  in  the  wel- 
fare of  man  and  beast.     Nothing  is  lost  in  nat- 


192  FACE   TO   FACE 

ural  obedience.  Obedience  is  a  law ;  without  law, 
chaos;  we  would  flounder  in  the  deep  sea  of 
ignorance,  a  prey  to  the  vultures  of  indifferent 
society.  OBEDIENCE  IS  DEMANDED  BY 
EVERY  LAW  OF  NATURE.  Obedience  is 
spontaneous  response  to  mechanical  construction, 
to  the  laws  of  nature,  to  the  laws  of  God  and 
man.  The  great  universe  is  built  on  obedience. 
The  little  chick,  for  instance,  hardly  out  of  its 
shell,  responds  in  obedience  to  the  mother's  ex- 
cited cluck.  Animal  life  responds  in  like  man- 
ner; in  fact,  we  are  obeying  the  call  of  higher 
forces,  and  thus  respond  to  the  laws,  as  do  the 
flowers  to  the  rain. 

I  believe  in  government,  in  righteous  law;  I 
believe  in  helping  those  who  are  unable  to  help 
themselves ;  I  believe  in  God,  the  creator  of  man ; 
I  believe  in  my  fellowman. 

There  never  was  a  sermon  that  did  not  IN 
SOME  WAY  SHOW  THE  HAND  OF  GOD, 
were  we  spiritual  enough  to  see  it.  There  is 
ALWAYS  SOMETHING  we  can  take  hold  of 
in  ALL  things,  and  make  use  of  TO  OUR  GOOD, 
WILL  we  do  so.  The  human  mind  is  not  held 
in  bondage  by  any  mortal  mind,  church,  or  body 
of  churches,  where  GOD  IS  AT  THE  HELM. 
The  most  of  us  go  to  church,  like  a  ship  at  sea 
without  a  compass;  we  drift  with  the  tide  of 
worldly  minds,  wondering  what  we  are  going 
to  hear  next;  WILL  IT  BE  A  DRY  SERMON! 
Hence  the  lack  of  interest. 

Seek  the  soul  within  you,  search  it  well;  if 
the  SERMON  does  not  appeal  to  you,  then  there 


THE   DEEP   STILL   WATERS  193 

is  the  spirit  of  truth  that  will  heal  you,  refresh 
you,  rest  you.  If  you  will  but  go  in  the  silence 
with  God,  learning  to  overcome  obstacles  what- 
ever their  nature  may  be,  although  the  sermon 
be  EVER  SO  DRY,  there  is  always  something 
that  CAN  and  WILL  help  you.  If  you  will  seek 
it  in  the  house  of  God  AS  the  house  of  God,  then 
there  is  something  there  for  YOU,  and  a  great 
many  SOMETHINGS.  The  minister  is  talking 
about  God,  about  the  works  of  God,  have  re- 
spect unto  Him.  When  God  is  busy,  respect 
the  silence.  A  real  live  interest  must  begin  in 
the  heart  for  the  word  of  God,  wherever  it 
may  be  found. 

If  you  understand  fully  the  principle  which 
the  man  of  God  is  trying  to  hold  before  your 
eyes,  if  you  understand  the  power  working  with- 
in that  man,  if  you  understand  that  inspiration 
MUST  FIND  A  HOME  SUITED  TO  ITS 
TRUTHS,  it  will  be  easier  for  you  to  grasp  the 
word  of  God  and  apply  it  to  your  use.  You  can 
be  at  HOME  to  the  highest  inspiration,  if  you 
will  but  set  the  forces  to  work  to  attract  it. 

It  is  in  the  silence  that  the  working  principle 
is  set  in  motion  for  greater  attainments.  It  is 
there  we  learn  to  walk  with  the  spirit,  and  sing 
with  the  spirit,  until  our  soul  expands  like  some 
wondrous  flower,  stirring  with  some  strange, 
enraptured  power.  The  value  of  the  silence  is 
THIS:  That  it  enables  man  to  develop  on  the 
heights  UNINTERRUPTED  by  the  world.  We 
are  then  enabled  to  realize  that  we  are  spirit 
NOW,  and  that  we  are  enabled  to  dwell  with 


194  FACE    TO   FACE 

the  spirit  NOW.  The  more  mankind  dwelleth 
upon  the  heights,  the  more  he  walks  with  the 
spirit  in  understanding  also.  To  walk  with  the 
spirit  is  to  imbibe  the  joys  of  life. 

Heed  not  the  fall  of  the  cinder,  it  can  do 
naught  but   sting. 

^^If  the  world  hate  you,  you  know  it  hated 
Me  before  it  hated  you.  Howbeit  then  that  the 
spirit  of  truth  is  come?  He  will  guide  you  in  all 
truth.'' 

^^But  I  know  even  now,  that  whatsoever  thou 
wouldst  ask  of  God,  God  will  give  it  you.'' 

*^  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  he  that  receiveth 
whomsoever  I   send,   receiveth  Me." 

This  a  poem,  a  reverie,  a  joy! 

INGERSOLL:  ^^A  poem  is  produced  by  the 
forces  of  nature.  You  will  seek  in  vain  for  a 
thought  in  man's  brain  without  efficient  cause. 
Every  mental  operation  is  the  necessary  re- 
sult of  certain  facts  and  conditions.  Mental  phe- 
nomena are  considered  more  complicated  than 
those  of  matter,  then  consequently  more  mys- 
terious. Being  more  mysterious  they  are  con- 
sidered better  evidence  of  an  existing  God." 

LOTUS :  A  poem  is  a  soul  song.  It  is  inspired 
by  the  promptings  of  one  being  in  tune  with  the 
FORCES  SET  TO  WORK  IN  NATURE.  As 
we  awaken  in  soul  truth,  a  responding  chord  is 
struck  within  the  soul  of  man,  finding  expres- 
sion in  words,  as  it  has  reached  a  higher  or 
lower  ideal.  Poems  are  music  of  the  soul,  wheth- 
er they  be  celestial,  classical,  ragtime  or  indif- 
ferent.   The  chord  that  is  touched  sends  forth  to 


THE    DEEP    STILL   WATERS  195 

the  world  a  song,  a  soul  thought.  Matter,  being 
the  manifestation  of  spirit,  does  away  with  fact, 
and  runs  to  fancy.  Verse  is  made  of  things 
seen,  and  things  unseen;  things  that  were,  and 
are  to  be;  things  heard,  and  things  unheard. 
Verse  is  a  work  of  spontaneous  soul  thought. 
It  should  be  a  free  agent,  written  in  the  manner 
in  which  it  comes  to  the  soul  of  man.  As  light- 
ning finds  its  way  to  a  near-by  tree,  so  themes 
take  hold  of  man's  nature,  bringing  forth  in  all 
its  thunders  of  intensity,  the  soul  on  paper. 

A  theme  sometimes  falls  on  the  hearts  and 
minds  of  men  as  the  Yuletide  bells;  a  certain 
Christ-like  harmony  stirs  in  the  soul  of  him  who 
hears.  It  would  be  sacrilegious  to  tamper  with 
such  vibrations. 

Again  inspiration  may  come  to  man  as  a  flick- 
ering shadow.  He  senses  it  at  the  time,  but  it 
does  not  make  an  EXPEESSIVE  expression  un- 
til later  when  the  connecting  link  sends  it  thrill- 
ing through  his  erstwhile  labors. 

Inspiration  does  not  come  to  those  who  have, 
ordinarily  speaking  a  desire  to  be  a  hard-boiled 
egg;  life  is  extinct  in  a  hard-boiled  egg;  therein 
lieth  the  phenomenal  mystery,  matter,  spirit. 
The  entire  significance  of  inspiration  and  life  of 
man  is,  that  man  is  a  spiritual  being,  inamortal 
by  nature,  progressive  by  development,  made  in 
His  likeness  and  image,  corrupted  by  immorality, 
redeemed  by  spirituality. 

According  to  the  AMOUNT  of  truth  in  the 
subject,  according  to  the  tuning  of  the  receiving 


196  FACE   TO   FACE 

instrument,  just  so  is  inspiration  able  to  express 
through  that  instrument. 

INGERSOLL:  *^  Science  is  too  slow  for  the 
Christians;  they  want  creeds.'' 

LOTUS:  We  have  had  science  ever  since  the 
world  began,  and  yet  you  say  science  claims  all 
things  move  in  harmony.  The  law  of  truth  is 
the  law  of  love;  both  are  symbols  of  the  science 
of  evolution.  Without  love  and  truth,  there 
would  be  no  law,  for  these  two  embody  the  har- 
mony that  governs  nature;  without  these,  we 
would  be  going  AGAINST  the  laws  of  natural 
efficiency. 

HENCE  A  CREED  WAS  BORN 

Down  on  an  old  farm  in  South  Carolina  an 
old  darkey  was  taking  his  noontime  rest  under 
the  shade  of  an  old  apple  tree.  He  was  drifting 
near  the  spirit  as  he  sat  thinking  of  his  work, 
and  how  little  he  could  accomplish  in  it.  He 
was  somewhat  rebellious  when  he  would  think  of 
his  age.    An  old  owl  near  by  cried: 

**Wo-hoo!  Wo-hoo!'' 

*^You-all  don't  need  to  hoot  at  oV  Tom, 
Lord,  at  all.  Tom  don't  know  what  he  ought  to 
do." 

Again  came  the  *  *  Wo-hoo ! ' ' 

Old  Tom  sprang  to  his  feet  more  nimbly  than 
he  had  done  for  years.  Holding  his  head  up  he 
said: 

^*Lord,  I  cain't  see  YOU,  but  I  heahs  you-all. 
If  you  will  jes'  tell  ol'  Tom  what  to  do,  and 
not  *  Wo-hoo,'  I'll  be  much  'bleeged." 


THE   DEEP   STILL   WATERS  197 

The  tree  was  the  resting  place  of  Tom's  mas- 
ter as  well.  Taking  advantage  of  the  oppor- 
tunity, knowing  old  Tom  was  far  too  near  sighted 
to  see  him  reclining  in  the  tree,  the  master 
changed  his  voice  and  said: 

*  *  Tom,  if  you  wouldn  't  forget  to  remember  that 
it  isn't  always  HOW  MUCH  we  do  for  the  Mas- 
ter, but  HOW  WELL  we  do  it  that  counts,  you 
would  last  longer  and  do  better  work.*' 

** Thank  you,  Lord,  thank  you!  I  dun'  know 
you-all  was  tellin'  me  the  truf.  Dat  am  so;  but 
Lod,  will  you  do  me  a  favah?" 

**What  is  it,  Tom?"  came  from  the  tree. 

'*I  dun  forgot  to  give  Mastah  Miss  Julia's 
letter  and  I  hid  it  up  yonda  in  the  tree,  and 
Lord,  will  you  please  give  it  to  Mastah.  I  dun 
forgot  to  give  it  for  two  months — I's  sca-ed  to 
give  it." 

**A11  right,  Tom,  I  will  see  that  he  gets  it." 

Bowing  and  scraping,  Tom  thanked  the  Lord, 
when  an  excited  voice  again  came  from  the  tree : 

**Tom,  you  old  fool,  go  and  get  your  Master's 
grip  packed.  He  is  going  to  Virginia  to  see  Miss 
Julia.     Move  lively — move  lively!" 

Tom  looked  up  astonished,  muttering  as  he 
went  along: 

**The  Lord  am  SUEE  in  a  hurry— Yes,  Lord, 
I'll  move  on,  I'll  move  on." 

He  did  move  on  all  the  rest  of  his  days.  His 
work  improved,  and  his  temper,  too.  One  day 
Master  looked  at  Tom  with  a  twinkle  in  his  eye. 

'  *  Tom,  you  have  improved  so  much,  I  am  going 


198  FACE    TO   FACE 

to  let  you  be  Master  of  Ceremonies  at  the 
wedding. '  * 

Tom  threw  back  his  shoulders : 

**You-all  didn't  know  the  Lord  do  get  in  a 
hurry  sometimes,  does  you?  And  when  He  do 
they's  jes'  one  thing  fob  Tom  to  do,  and  that  am 
go  on  about  his  Fathah's  business;  but  Mastah, 
did  the  Lord  gib  you  anything?** 

**Sure,  Tom,  He  gave  me  Miss  Julia.*' 

**But,  Mastah,  I  know  He  dun  gib  you  Miss 
Julia  but — but — didn't  He  gib  you-all  sometin* 
else?" 

**I  see,  Tom,  what  you  mean,"  taking  a  much 
torn  and  weather-beaten  note  from  his  pocket. 
*^Yes,  Tom,  He  gave  me  this,  in  a  very  strange 
manner.  But,  Tom,  you  are  trying  the  Lord. 
Where  is  your  faith?" 

Tom  was  almost  scared  white.  He  fell  on  his 
knees  imploring  God  to  forgive  him. 

**A11  right,  Tom,"  said  his  Master,  **I  know 
God  will  forgive  you  this  time.  But  remember 
after  this,  when  you  have  any  secrets  with  the 
Lord,  just  trust  Him  to  keep  them."  Hence — a 
creed  was  born. 

We  sometimes  find  what  we  are  seeking  lin 
strange  places.  Like  master,  we  will  take  advan- 
tage of  the  opportunity,  and  perch  the  infidel  on 
his  own  dry  limb. 

INGEESOLL :  ^^I  challenge  the  world  to  show 
that  Thomas  Payne  wrote  a  line  or  a  word  in 
favor  of  tyranny  or  immorality;  one  line  against 
justice,  charity  and  liberty;  one  line  against  the 


THE    DEEP    STILL   WATERS  199 

interest  of  mankind ;  and  yet  he  has  been  pursued 
as  though  he  had  been  a  fiend  in  Hell. ' ' 

LOTUS:  A  partial  truth  is  no  truth  at  alL 
You  cannot  be  charitable,  you  cannot  work  for 
the  good  of  humanity,  without  the  power  of  love. 
To  accept  love  is  to  accept  the  SUBSTANCE  of 
love,  which  is  God.  Payne  was  not  condemned 
as  a  fiend;  his  works  were  the  works  of  the  half- 
loaf;  we  turn  the  reflection  the  other  way,  that 
the  whole  loaf  may  be  visible  to  mankind.  Works 
AGAINST  the  SUBSTANCE  OF  GOOD  are 
UNEEAL,  and  UNNATURAL,  hence  WORTH- 
LESS. 

Thoughts,  words  and  expressions  are  electrical 
in  their  effect.  When  sent  with  force  THROUGH 
EXPRESSIVE  PRINCIPLES  they  penetrate 
substance,  compelling  response.  The  nature  of 
the  response  depends  largely  upon  the  AMOUNT 
of  force  sent  from  the  positive,  as  well  as  the 
negative  condition  of  the  recipient  to  enact, 
absorb,  and  attract  the  electrical  force  from  the 
positive;  whether  the  negative  be  substance  con- 
taining life,  or  simply  substance  containing  the 
requirements  NECESSARY  TO  ENACT  the 
positive,  or  be  affected  by  the  positive.  This 
would  answer  Ingersoll:  **Is  it  scientific  to 
imagine  that  a  thrust  of  a  spear  through  the 
body  of  a  woman  ever  stayed  a  plague?" 

**The  body  is  as  grass;  the  soul,  as  the  flower 
of  grass,''  says  the  Bible.  In  the  days  of  which 
Ingersoll  speaks,  the  sacrifice  of  the  body  was 
thought  little  of  when  a  great  principle  was  at 
stake  to  the  saving  of  many.    One  body  was  often 


200  FACE    TO   FACE 

used  to  save  or  serve  thousands.  It  IS  today  in 
thousands  of  ways.  Results  from  INACTIVE 
suggestions  are  not  as  SURE,  nor  RESULTS  as 
QUICK,  as  when  EXPRESSION  is  used  with 
SUGGESTION.  A  weak  suggestive  power  is 
not  sent  with  sufficient  FORCE  to  CREATE  and 
ENACT  AT  the  same  time. 

While  thoughts  are  things,  harmful,  ugly,  or 
whether  they  are  beautiful,  they  are  not  as 
GREAT  as  when  sent  with  the  ELECTRICAL 
FORCE  OF  THE  POSITIVE  ENLIVENING 
AND  ENACTING  the  suggestion  in  PURE 
CONSCIENCE. 

The  ether  is  filled  with  things  created  from 
weakened  will.  We  want  GREAT  THINGS, 
beautiful  things,  in  the  ether  around  us,  not 
creeping  things. 

God  is  our  supply  here,  there,  and  He  produces 
through  NATURAL  CHANNELS,  not  UN- 
NATURAL THEORIES.  The  word  of  God  is 
SURE,  QUICK  and  POWERFUL. 

It  is  not  impossible  that  plague  was  stopped 
through  the  SACRIFICING  POWER  OF  GIV- 
ING, that  OTHERS  might  LIVE.  If  you  hav^ 
had  many  prayers  answered  you  will  KNOW 
this  to  be  true.  The  word  of  God  is  in  it,  the 
ethereal  carries  it  onward;  in  the  ethereal  are 
medicinal  qualities,  therapeutic  in  nature.  In 
woman  is  life,  by  taking  life  from  the  body,  the 
spirit  ascends  to  perform  its  mission  in  the  king- 
dom of  spirit — heaven,  wherein  is  found  the 
SUBSTANCE  OF  ALL. 

Heaven  receives,  God  perceives. 


THE   DEEP   STILL   WATERS  201 

God  taketh  away  and  returneth  to  us  OUR 
OWN  in  the  FULLNESS  OF  PERFECTION. 

INGERSOLL:  ''Is  it  scientific  to  say  a  river 
cut  itself  in  two,  and  allowed  the  lower  end  to 
run  o&V 

LOTUS:  As  water  is  super-vacile  and  super- 
lative, it  could  not  only  be  possible  but  probable. 

INGERSOLL:  ^^Is  it  scientific  to  assert  that 
seven  priests  blew  seven  ram's  horns  loud  enough 
to  blow  down  the  walls  of  a  city?" 

LOTUS:  We  are  forbidden  by  law  to  drive 
faster  than  a  walk  across  bridges.  To  do  other- 
wise might  cause  a  peculiar  vibration  that  would 
bring  the  bridges  down,  so  scientists  say.  The 
blowing  of  the  seven,  or  one,  ram's  horn  could — 
if  the  vibrations  were  rightly  directed — cause 
responding  chaotic  results.  The  law  governing 
vibrations  and  their  terrific  force,  is  too  lengthy 
to  go  into  at  this  time.  However,  vibrations 
have  been  known  to  trouble  mountains. 

Let  us  take  into  consideration  another  law 
that  was  brought  into  play  in  the  above  state- 
ment; that  is,  that  SEVEN  is  the  gift  of  the 
spirit.  The  gift  in  this  case  was  twofold, 
TWICE  POWERFUL.  It  was  then,  I  should 
say,  DIVINE  VIBRATIONS.  The  priests  were 
the  mediums  of  the  Divine  vibrating  forces  or 
POWER.  The  gift  of  the  spirit  is  the  POWER 
of  the  spirit.  It  is  then  not  only  scientific  to 
assert  the  ACTIVE  principles  and  POSSIBILI- 
TIES OF  VIBRATION,  but  it  also  asserts  the 
DIVINE,  the  WORKING  POWER  OF  SPIRIT. 


202  FACE  TO   FACE 

INGERSOLL:  *^Is  it  scientifically  probable 
that  an  angel  of  the  Lord  devoured  unleavened 
cakes  with  fire  that  came  out  of  the  end  of  a 
stick,  as  he  sat  under  the  oak  tree?  That  God 
made  known  His  will  by  letting  the  dew  fall  on 
wool  without  wetting  the  ground  around  it?  Or 
that  the  angels  of  God  appeared  to  Manoah  in 
the  absence  of  her  husband,  and  the  angels  after- 
wards went  up  in  a  flame  of  fire,  and  as  a  result 
of  that  visit  a  child  was  born  whose  strength  was 
in  his  hairT' 

LOTUS:  Spiritual  light,  or  fire,  is  FILLED 
with  potent  POWER  to  HEAL  or  QUICKEN, 
and  ENLIVEN  the  intelligences  within  the  cells 
of  the  body,  causing  a  wholesome,  healthy 
growth;  spirit  penetrating  SUBSTANCE.  ^'GOD 
IS  A  SPIRIT.^'  Neither  is  it  strange  that  Ma- 
noah was  visited  by  angels  in  the  ABSENCE  of 
her  husband.  It  will  probably  seem  strange  to 
many  who  do  not  fully  understand  that  SPIRIT 
reaches  mortal  more  powerful  when  no  conflict- 
ing force  is  around  to  detract.  This  is  the 
beauty  of  SILENCE  again  demonstrated;  when 
spirit  meets  spirit,  completing  a  magnetic  force 
around  us.  ^  ^  GOD  IS  A  SPIRIT. ''  Spirit  heals 
those  who  are  open  to  the  influx  of  spiritual 
truths.  Again,  the  true  VALUE  of  prayer  is 
demonstrated  also. 

It  is  a  well  known  fact  that  there  is  power  in 
the  hair,  too  well  known  to  carry  into  detail. 
All  things  are  possible  with  God. 

Dew  so  directed,  proclaims  the  working  power 
of  Spirit.    Fire,  or  spirit  light,  in  this  case,  may 


THE   DEEP   STILL   WATERS  203 

have  been  a  reflected  spiritual  power  or  presence. 
Spirit  also  imbibes. 

INGERSOLL:  ^^s  it  unscientific  to  deny 
that  water  gushed  from  the  hollow  of  a  dry 
boner' 

LOTUS :  A  fount  shall  spring  in  the  desert  of 
a  turbulent  soul.  Spiritual  waters  shall  flow 
from  the  gold  mines  of  understanding. 

In  insipid  terms  Ingersoll  demands  to  know 
whether  a  dry  bone  can  contain  water  for  an  in- 
definite period.  God's  eternal  power  springs  up 
in  unexpected  places;  it  abideth  e'en  UNTO 
THE  END.  His  compelling  power  can  create, 
withhold  and  uphold. 

Through  the  power  of  spirit  water  could  flow 
through  or  from  a  dry  bone  as  well  as  through 
the  little  spring  in  yonder  field.  But,  you  say, 
the  spring  is  a  part  of  nature;  it  is  a  play 
through  nature.  So  is  Spirit  a  part  of  nature; 
it  IS  nature;  and  its  play  goes  beyond  nature, 
for  it  CREATES. 

And  thus  we  answer  one  of  Ingersoll's  most 
POSITIVE  DEMANDS— ^*  show  us  something 
beyond  nature  that  CONTROLS  nature,  and  we 
will  believe."  And  we  have  shown  you  some- 
thing beyond  nature  that  controls  nature.  The 
power  of  the  spirit  is  great;  CREATIVE  prin- 
ciples enfold  CONTROLLING  principles. 
*^God  is  a  spirit." 
I  do  believe,  I  NOW  believe — " 


CHAPTEE  IV 
HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT? 

EBENEZER  UNIC  GRAY. 

Keep  your  rhythm  and  your  laughter,  happy  little  song, 
It  will  grow  greater,  grander,  as  you  move  along. 

Little    children    will    caress    you,    older    hearts    will 

bless  you. 
LOVE   will  make  the  song  ring  true. 

The  sun  looked  down  in  ruddy  splendor  on  Ebenezer 

Unic   Gray, 
As  he  fed  old  Sol  his  fodder  and  his  hay. 

Maw,  she  hollered  out  the  winder,  **Paw,  you're  nigh 

on   eighty-three. 
Too  old  to  be  a  laughin',  makin'  fun  o'  me." 

*'I   were   jest  a   thinking   Mandie;   ain't  too   old  to 

think,  be  I?" 
Maw  she  begun  to  snivel,  then  to  cry. 

That  tickled  Paw,   and  he  said:  ''Maw,  your  nose  is 

gittin'  red." 
Not  carin'  how  old  Sol  was  being  overfed. 

Maw  looked  up  indignant  like,  *' That's  jest  the  way 

with  men, 
Thej^  never  see  the  stitches  in  the  mend. ' ' 

**Well,"  sez  Paw.  "We  kin  be  happy  though  our  hair 

is  gray. 
It's  only  a  part  of  nature,  anyway." 


HAPPINESS:   WHAT  IS  IT?  205 

"Nope,'*  sez  Maw,  "  'taint  nuther;  it's  the  song  the 

God  in  heaven  made, 
The  rythm  and  the  poetry  that  crowns  old  age." 

Old  Sol  et  up  his  fodder  and  then  laid  down  and  died, 
Paw    sat   up    in   wonder,    Maw — she    cried. 

Paw  winked  at  me,  ''That's  jest  the  way  with  critters, 

that  it  be. 
Always,  always,,  always  a  gittin '  the  best  o '  me. ' ' 

Two  withered  hands  clung  tighter,  as  when  in  youth 

they  bade 
The  sun  to  shine  less  bright,  lest  it  fade. 

Two  old  hearts  grown   fonder,   as  their   hair  turned 

thin  and  gray. 
As  the  snows  of  winter  precede  the  spring  alway. 

It's  the  rhythm  and  the  poetry,  the  happy  little  song. 
That  makes  love  grow  greater  as  we  move  along. 

It  is  the  little  jokes  and  teasings,  the  little  hopes  and 

smiles. 
That  make  the  way  so  easy  over  the  weary  miles. 

It's  the  sunshine  and  the  shadows,  the  heartaches  and 

the  joys. 
That  makes  us  love  each  other,  like  when  we  were  boys. 

INGERSOLL:  '*  Happiness;  what  is  it? 
Where  does  it  come  fromT' 

LOTUS:  True  happiness  is  merging  one^s 
time,  heart  and  mind  in  some  occupation  worth 
while.  It  is  forgetting  self  in  one  sense,  and 
replenishing  self  in  another  sense.  He  who  longs 
for  happiness  seldom  finds  it  in  material  things 


206  FACE    TO   FACE 

only;  it  must  be  met  by  spirit,  enacted  in  truth. 
No  one  is  ever  quite  as  happy  in  this  world  as 
when  he  is  honestly  in  love  with  his  IDEAL, 
whatever  that  may  be;  when  he  is  DEVELOP- 
ING that  ideal  he  is  unconsciously  developing 
HIMSELF.  To  perfect  anything  brings  poise, 
peace  and  power  to  the  one  who  has  perfected. 
There  is  no  evidence  in  the  world  that  will,  that 
can,  prove  a  sinful  person  perfectly  happy.  True 
religion  is  happiness;  it  is  RIGHT  DOING, 
RIGHT  THINKING.  Truth  MUST  PREVAIL 
before  happiness  CAN;  mankind  must  put 
FORTH  SOME  EFFORT  would  he  live  in  truth. 
Anything  worth  as  much  to  man  as  truth,  is 
worth  NO  END  OF  EFFORT. 

ANCIENT  HAPPINESS  is  the  REAL  happi- 
ness. In  ancient  times  interest  was  not  lost  in 
happiness  as  soon  as  it  was  obtained.  Man  in 
the  present  day  and  age  will  not  embrace  happi- 
ness as  a  PERMANENT  FACTOR  when  he 
finds  it,  but  casts  aside  the  LITTLE  HAPPY 
MOMENTS  to  seek  MORE  happiness  (as  he 
thinks)  in  some  greater  way.  This  is  none 
other  than  denying  nature,  for  nature  IS 
happiness;  and,  it  is  lasting.  It  does  not  mean 
corruption  or  casting  aside  the  elements  that 
make  possible  growth,  but  LIFE  in  PURE  CON- 
SCIENCE, accepting  NATURALLY  the  proper- 
ties that  strengthen  in  greater  growth.  Where 
PURE  CONSCIENCE  abideth  and  striveth  not 
THERE  is  a  wee  bit  of  heaven  in  EXALTED 
HAPPINESS;  and,  it  BEGINS  here.  When  we 
refuse  the  LITTLE  happinesses,  we  refuse  all. 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT!  207 

Happiness  is  a  NATURAL  GROWTH,  not  a 
spasmodic  whim.  It  COMES  naturally  and  it 
stays  naturally,  when  it  is  accepted  as  it  is, 
NATURALLY. 

Happiness  is  a  redeeming  force,  when  it  is 
sanctified  through  APPRECIATION  of  its 
LESSER  qualities,  as  well  as  its  GREATER 
POSSIBILITIES. 

Happiness,  like  the  vibrations  of  flowers,  fills 
our  souls  with  a  greater  sense  of  beauty ;  a  great 
DESIRE  to  be  like  unto  them.  There  are  certain 
vibrations  that  come  from  flowers,  which  reach 
our  senses,  our  hearts,  our  souls.  Like  some 
Divine  essence  of  angel  breath,  the  fragrance 
reaches  us,  penetrating  matter  with  its  DIVINE 
FORCE,  leaving  in  its  wake  a  healing  life-giving 
property  we  call  beautiful.  It  is  MORE  than 
that,  however,  it  is  PURIFYING.  Anything  that 
can  reach  the  senses  through  its  beauty  and 
fragrance  purifies  and  quickens  something  with- 
in our  being  that  awakens,  not  alone  NEW  ideals, 
but  reaches  the  realms  of  heaven,  where  our 
loved  ones  dwelleth.  It  is  then  we  KNOW  there 
is  no  death;  it  is  then  we  KNOW  God  answers 
prayer. 

It  is  the  Divine  within  these  that  brings  us, 
if  only  for  a  moment,  into  that  at-one-ness,  the 
attuning  of  which  *^  continues  in  our  nexf  as  it 
were,  the  next,  bringing  still  greater  at-one-ness, 
and  on,  until  the  attuning  of  the  celestial  in  man, 
is  completed  with  the  Divine  purity  and  holiness 
of  sanctification. 


208  FACE   TO   FACE 

We  are  not  sufficiently  satisfied  when  we  secure 
flowers  to  place  in  some  niche  in  our  home;  we 
are  not  wholly  contented  when  we  buy  them  for 
some  artistic  purpose.  Why?  Because  we 
KNOW  within  our  souls  that  these  were  meant 
for  a  GREATER  PURPOSE  than  these.  Do 
not  misunderstand  me.  I  do  not  mean  they 
SHOULD  NOT  be  used  for  such  expressions  of 
art,  etc.;  they  should,  but  we  want  to  reach  to- 
wards the  SOURCE  of  these,  and  then  declare 
HIS  POWER  IN  THEM. 

IS  it  not  BLESSED  to  know  the  working  of 
things  in  our  behalf?  Is  it  not  GLORIOUS  to 
feel  the  vibrations  that  spring  from  such  a 
SOURCE!  God  made  the  Lily  immortal;  we 
have  placed  it  upon  the  altar  of  worship;  and 
yet,  have  we  felt  sufficiently  within  our  being, 
the  Divine  gift  of  splendor,  grandeur,  that  com- 
pels the  manifestations  of  truth  around  those 
who  gather  them,  presenting  them  to  some 
supreme  force  through  which  they  hope  to 
GAIN  FAVOR?  IS  it  because  we  seek  favors 
that  we  give  Lilies?  Or,  is  it  because  we  love 
Him  and  them,  for  what  they  ARE  to  us  and 
to  mankind? 

Oh,  beloved,  know  the  pure  purpose  by  which 
they  were  placed  in  thy  path.  Love  them,  sing 
to  them;  they  will  understand,  and  grow, 
as  nothing  has  ever  grown  in  the  HEART  OF 
YOU!  Caress  them,  knowing  they  have  their 
ethereal  correspondent,  where  they  are  made 
still  more  pure  to  meet  the  spirit  of  those  whom 
we  feel  we  cannot  give  up. 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  209 

And,  let  me  whisper  softly,  dear,  you  do  not 
HAVE  to  give  them  up;  they  are  talking  to 
you  through  the  lilies  of  the  field,  the  woods, 
the  streams,  the  trees,  the  wild  roses  by  the  road- 
side, the  brambles  near  the  fence.  The  meadows 
vibrate  with  their  love  and  tender  watchfulness; 
the  streams  flow  more  clear,  the  ripple  sings 
the  song  of  nature's  dreams;  the  lilies  enshroud 
you  in  perfume  that  lingers,  like  the  gauze  of 
dreams,  wherein  we  sense  only  the  pure,  the 
beautiful,  the  sweet  assurance  that  God  is  in  it. 

**But  we  are  too  busy,  we  cannot  go  to  the 
meadows  for  these  things,  my  dear,'*  said  a 
friend. 

The  greatest  trip  I  have  ever  taken,  the 
happiest  moments  I  have  ever  spent,  were  taken 
in  spirit  in  nature's  dreams.  It  is  inspiring;  it 
is  health-giving.  It  is  good  to  go  in  reality,  but 
if  circumstances  prevent,  then  seek  the  spirit  of 
truth,  and  wander  to  the  wayside  inn;  have  a 
cozy  little  lunch  in  some  shady  place  where  the 
honeysuckle  vines  are  beckoning  to  you  their 
appreciation,  from  the  ethereal  realms  of  flowers. 
It  is  refreshing,  it  is  healing,  it  is  enlightening; 
it  develops  greater  possibilities,  and  therein  lies 
the  opportunity  to  build,  so  you  CAN  go  to  the 
little  Inn  of  your  dreams.  Once  again  is  demon- 
strated the  fact  that  all  things  are  FIRST 
etherealized  and  then  materialized;  even  dreams 
come  true  in  the  realms  of  the  real  when  we 
imbibe  the  beautiful.  It  is  a  happiness  that  is 
not  held  from  ANY  LIVING  CREATURE, 
MAN  or  BEAST.  It  is  the  SPIRIT  OF  TRUTH, 


210  FACE   TO   FACE 

THE  DIVINE,  working  in  and  through  our 
affairs.  When  we  pause  to  realize  that  these 
ethereal  beauties  never  leave  us,  no  matter  what 
our  environment,  we  stagger  with  the  intoxica- 
tion of  pure  JOY.  To  reach  them,  is  to  LIVE 
WITH  THEM;  this  is  ascending  to  the  heights, 
where  the  power  of  the  spoken  word  made  the 
world  and  all  therein. 

Again  we  find  in  this  simple  little  truth  another 
theme  or  ideal;  that  is,  the  power  to  ATTEACT 
and  HOLD  the  EEDEEMING  FORCES  in 
nature  and  APPLY  them  to  our  use.  And  this, 
my  friend,  is  none  other  than  seeking  the  king- 
dom first.  These  vibrations  are  coming  your 
way  in  profusion ;  gather  them  while  you  may. 

Even  an  animal  dreams;  it  will  sniff  the  air 
and  then  wander  away  to  seek  that  it  has 
dreamed  of.  My  fluffy  little  white  dog  when  told 
to  stay  home  and  watch  the  house,  looks  about 
insinuatingly  at  windows  and  doors,  licks  his 
chops,  and  sits  down  without  a  word,  to  dream  of 
possible  burglars  and  our  return.  He  loves  the 
car,  loves  to  ride,  but  not  a  whimper  when  I 
take  his  head  in  my  hands,  look  in  his  eyes,  and 
tell  him  to  WATCH  for  MY  SAKE.  It  would 
seem  to  those  who  know  him  that  he  thought  it 
a  great  privilege  so  to  do. 

He,  too,  has  his  dreams.  He  will  wander  away 
at  times,  only  to  return  with  a  burr  in  his  foot; 
holding  it  up,  knowing  well  it  would  be  taken 
out  the  moment  he  returned  home.  He  has  had 
his  dream — of  home  and  kindness.     This  is  none 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  211 

other  than  intelligence,  an  intelligence  that  can 
not  only  reason,  but  dream. 

**I  am  no  dreamer,''  says  someone;  *4t  would 
be  impossible  for  practical  me."  These  practical 
ones  are  found  wanting  in  the  great  plan  of 
life;  fact  is,  that  dreams  are  soul  growth  when 
properly  directed.  We  should  have  dream  schools, 
where  we  would  be  taught  to  seek  the  beautiful 
in  thought,  hence  dreams. 

I  might  add  that  true  happiness  comes  from 
dreams  more  often  than  from  any  other  source, 
because  these  dream  thoughts  are,  or  have, 
inspired  some  thought  that  compels  happiness. 
In  fact,  thought  rightly  directed,  is  not  only  pure 
undefiled  religion,  but  it  is  a  great  part  of  prac- 
ticability. It  is  practical  to  THINK  in  right 
channels;  it  is  PEACTICAL  to  fathom  the 
depths  of  beauty  that  is  PLACED  around  us  for 
the  PURPOSE  OF  CREATING  dreams.  It  is 
happiness  ascending  upon  the  heads  of  all  alike 
without  respect  of  persons. 

Little  children  love  flowers;  they  understand 
the  purity  of  them;  it  is  nature  meeting  nature 
in  the  pure  presence  of  the  Divine. 

The  old  love  flowers;  they  bring  reminiscences 
that  carry  back  through  the  vale  of  youth  with 
its  splendor,  its  giving  and  taking.  It  takes  them 
back  to  the  days  of  LITTLE  happinesses;  the 
days  of  LITTLE  SORROWS,  and  great  sorrows. 

Would  we  be  without  these  refining  sorrows! 
NAY,  not  for  worlds;  for  in  it  is  the  sweet 
thought,  the  sweet  realization,  that  it  has  all 
been  a  part  of  the  attuning. 


212  FACE    TO   FACE 

The  violin  would  not  send  forth  as  sweet  a 
sound  were  it  not  first  tuned.  A  string  may 
break  that  a  better  one  may  take  its  place.  This 
is  the  law  of  nature,  the  law  of  natural  efficiency, 
the  law  of  reason  and  common  sense.  So  if  we 
sometimes  are  compelled  to  make  changes  that 
we  fear  will  not  terminate  in  happiness,  we  CAN 
seek  the  LAW  OF  EFFICIENCY  by  going  in 
the  SILENCE  with  God  and  telling  HIM,  and 
then  TEUSTING  Him  to  bring  before  us  the 
LIGHT  that  will  burn  brighter  for  the  change, 
and  through  which  we  are  enabled  to  see  the 
wisdom  of  change  and  the  opportunities  that 
these  changes  bring.  If  a  tree  loses  a  leaf,  it  is 
but  to  grow  another,  fresher,  more  beautiful, 
than  the  old.  If  a  bird  loses  its  feathers,  it  is 
only  to  replace  them  by  new,  more  beautiful  ones, 
more  SUITABLE  ones ;  the  season  that  has  com- 
pelled the  moulting  also  gives  NEW  vigor  as 
well  as  beauty. 

The  old  we  love;  we  have  become  used  to  it; 
it  is  a  very  part  of  our  being;  and  yet,  there 
are  times  when  even  that  which  we  have  had 
always  with  us,  must  give  way,  that  some  other 
expression  may  take  place. 

We  oft-times  wonder  why  such  things  must  be, 
and  then  in  later  years  the  understanding  comes. 
It  is  not  always  for  OUR  OWN  good  that  we 
are  placed  in  an  environment,  but  for  the  good 
of  ONE  or  MANY.  We  are  just  one  grain  of 
sand  running  through  God's  hour  glass.  He 
places  us  where  the  tide  will  run  freely,  when  we 
lend  ourselves  to  it  in  NATURAL  SIMPLICITY. 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  213 

That  is  the  secret  of  dreaming,  of  happiness  that 
is  TRUE  happiness — lending  ourselves  naturally 
to  the  inflow  of  DIVINE  INTELLIGENCE  that 
has  made  dreams  possible,  and  the  REAL  a 
permanent  factor.  Dreams  are  but  the  echo,  the 
whisper,  of  His  presence. 

Like  a  thunder  clap  on  a  still  hot  day,  comes 
the  realization  that  we  have  been  SELFISH  with 
these  beautiful  vibrations,  asking  favors,  pray- 
ing for  MORE,  when  ALL  WAS  GIVEN.  Think 
of  it,  ALL  is  within  the  reach  of  man  will  he 
but  open  the  door  to  the  Divine  inflow,  the 
Divine  vibrations,  that  throb  beneath  his  feet, 
that  hum  in  the  air,  that  brush  the  hem  of  his 
garment,  crying  all  the  while,  **0h,  look  at  me, 
love  me  and  see  what  I  WILL  DO  FOR  THEE." 

ItLiQay  seem  that  electricity  and  happiness  are 
two  o^istinct  and  separate  forces.  This  is  a 
false^^bonception.  Electricity  is  directly  connected 
with  divinity,  hence  these  vibrations  are  electri- 
cal i  I  their  effect;  thus  the  VALUE  of  flower 
vibrations  IS  INTENSIFIED,  and  this  com- 
plete^i  the  requisites  to  happiness.  Happiness 
is  re^iping  the  beautiful,  the  pure,  the  love  that 
come^  through  the  healing  forces  of  the  Divine; 
in  it^lis  no  death  at  all,  but  resurrection,  LIFE, 
henc(j  happiness. 

The  pure  motives  of  Christ  were  like  the  vibra- 
tions of  flowers.  He  ate  with  thieves.  He  fed 
them  with  the  vibrations  of  pure  spirit,  and  they 
knew  it  not.  Later  they  crucified  Him  and 
STILL  He  feeds  those  following  in  their  wake 
through  LITTLE  things,   great  things;   things 


214  FACE    TO   FACE 

they  love,  and  things  they  do  not  love  at  all.  All 
these  hold  something  for  us;  think  of  it,  dear 
one,  for  US.  The  rose  trembles  with  the  ecstasy 
of  His  love;  the  petals  fall  upon  my  head  and 
there  make  a  comfy  bed,  in  which  to  nestle  the 
thoughts  I  write  to  you;  and  will  you,  when  I 
am  dead,  caress  them?  for  I  love  to  give  to 
YOU  thoughts  that  have  been  bred  by  angel 
breath  amid  the  petals  in  my  hair.  It  may  amend 
for  something  I  have  left  undone,  and  so — wound- 
ed one  who  died  for  me. 

And  then  rejoice,  shed  not  a  tear;  these 
thoughts  were  but  your  own,  my  '^— ^  sent 
heavenward,  and  returned  again  that  we  .  ight 
learn  to  care  for  THINGS  that  do  not  SEEM 
so  fair.  But  God  is  in  them,  dear,  every^yhere, 
waiting  for  a  chance  to  breathe  upon  these  I  etals 
and  their  leaves,  LIFE,  LOVE  AND  TE§  TH; 
happiness  in  your  soul,  forsooth — a  frajerant 
path  you  will  tread  when  these  have  com-  and 
fled,  to  other  lives  to  make  them  great,  tot  His 
story  to  relate.  So  cherish  them  while  you  may, 
it  is  the  God  in  them  alway.  ^ 

I- 

POSSESSION  OF  GOOD 

INGEESOLL:  ^^He  who  thinks  good  thoi^ghts 
is  a  laborer,  one  of  the  greatest.  The  mai?  who 
invented  the  reaper  will  be  harvesting  for  thou- 
sands of  years.  If  labor  is  lowered  in  this 
country,  all  that  the  laborers  will  have  within 
their  power  is  to  defend  themselves.  My  sjm- 
pathy  is  with  the  man  who  has  nothing  to  sell 
but  his  strength.'* 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  215 

LOTUS:  This  is  a  noble  sentiment  of  Inger- 
soU,  one  grand  enough  to  rest  upon  the  pulpit 
he  has  persecuted.  However,  the  laborer  has 
not  entirely  the  POWEE  to  defend  himself. 
He  has  to  maintain  a  certain  amount  of  caution 
as  to  his  movements;  a  radical  move  would 
impoverish.  The  great  uplift  of  the  working 
man  does  NOT  come  to  him  in  BOUNDS,  but  bv 
a  SYSTEM  OF  TECHNICS  that  will  enable 
him  to  better  his  condition  without  open  rebel- 
lion. A  rebellious  spirit  is  BLIND  TO  TRUTH; 
an  ANTAGONISTIC  TEMPERAMENT  only 
wears  out  its  OWN  VITALITY.  Man  belongs 
to  the  plane  where  he  is  NOW  until  he  outgrows 
it.  Labor  is  the  HOME  OF  HAPPINESS,  when 
rightly  applied. 

**Till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith, 
and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a 
perfect  man,  unto  the  measure  of  the  stature  of 
the  fullness  of  Christ.  That  we  henceforth  be  no 
more  children,  tossed  to  and  fro,  and  carried 
about  by  every  kind  of  doctrine,  by  the  sleight 
of  men,  and  cunning  craftiness,  whereby  they  lie 
in  wait  to  deceive.'' 

Progression  can  only  walk  in  the  paths  of 
restriction,  a  forward  step  meets  thorns.  If 
there  is  no  conquest  over  man,  there  is  none  over 
matter,  and  the  greatest  science  is  a  failure. 
THOUGHT  is  the  GENERATING  FORCE  that 
CONTROLS  DESTINY.  Foolishness  has  little 
place  in  a  cultivated  mind  spiritually  whole,  for 
nothing  is  foolishness  unto  him;  everything  has 
a    cause,  that    the    man    duly    enlightened    can 


216  FACE    TO   FACE 

penetrate.  Every  problem  on  earth  has  some 
hidden  good.  It  is  on  the  HEIGHTS  that  the 
TRUE  MEANING  of  EXISTING  THINGS  is 
found;  the  CAUSE  is  exemplified  in  reason. 
There  is  no  one  crime  committed  upon  this  plane 
of  life  that  has  not  a  CAUSE  behind  it.  The 
cause  may  have  existed  GENERATIONS  AGO, 
or  it  may  be  JUST  GENERATING;  but  it 
is  there.  On  the  HEIGHTS  there  are  no 
PHANTOMS,  but  the  REAL.  It  is  becoming  in 
TUNE  WITH  THE  REAL  that  enables  us  to  see 
things  as  they  ARE,  not  as  they  seem  to  be.  This 
is  the  highest  attainment  man  can  reach  in 
righteous  judgment,  and  it  is  TRUE  HAPPI- 
NESS, not  only  for  himself,  but  ALL  mankind; 
for  OTHERS  SEE  and  OTHERS  ENACT.  Sin 
is  LESS  HARD  TO  OVERCOME  when  the 
CAUSE  of  sin  is  clearly  defined  and  judged  in 
PURE  CONSCIENCE. 

Happiness  comes  from  the  well-springs  within 
the  soul  of  man,  attuned  to  the  spirit  of 
HARMONY,  RIGHTEOUSNESS  and  FAITH. 
HAPPINESS  is  attunement  to  honest  purpose 
and  demonstrated  fact.  Happiness  drops  from 
heaven,  as  the  rain  descending  within  the  reach 
of  man.  How  much  man  gathers  unto  himself 
depends  upon  how  quickly  he  perceives  God  in  it. 

UNSTUDIED  GRACE 

INGERSOLL:  ^ ^Little  is  told  of  thp  child- 
hood or  youth  of  Christ." 

LOTUS :  The  youth  and  childhood  of  Christ 
is  being  told  today,  every  day,  in  one  of  the 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  217 

EXPRESSIONS  THAT  GOES  TO  MAKE 
HAPPINESS,  and  that  is  ART.  The  great 
Masters  hold  the  Christ  child  before  us.  Art  has 
been  purified,  exalted  by  it.  Jesus  has  stamped 
His  likeness  upon  our  temples.  The  words  of 
our  best  poets  show  a  DISTINCT  CHRISTIAN 
COLORING.  Our  immortal  songs,  somewhere 
within  their  depths  breathe  the  Christ;  from 
birth  to  the  cross — yea,  and  beyond  the  cross 
to  the  Resurrection  time — wherein  we  are  made 
t)erf  ect 

The  youth  of  Christ  is  EVERYWHERE.  If 
man  is  spiritual  enough  to  catch  the  vibration, 
he  will  find  it  in  the  budding  leaves,  the  flowers, 
the  morning  hours,  the  twilight;  in  all  things 
pure,  fresh  and  beautiful.  He  will  feel,  too,  the 
POWER  OF  YOUTH,  and  the  POWER  OF 
LOVE,  in  the  HIGHEST  SENSE  OF 
EXPRESSION  and  DIVINE  PASSION.  When 
we  arouse  a  slumbering  soul  that  has  REFUSED 
to  see  the  light  of  His  countenance,  then  are 
WE  EXPRESSING  THE  YOUTH  OF  CHRIST, 
not  only  within  the  awakened  soul,  but  within 
our  own  soul ;  for  in  it  is  budding  conscience  that 
will  eventually  ripen  into  golden  gain. 

Spring  vibrates  with  the  youth  of  Christ,  with 
the  resurrection  of  Christ,  with  the  love  of 
Christ.  The  youth  of  Christ — is  the  spring  time 
of  understanding,  painting  pictures  that  can  never 
be  effaced. 

We  have  many  men  also  who  have  painted  in 
glowing  colors  PICTURES  on  the  walls  of  our 
hearts,  GREAT  DEEDS,  GREAT  ACHIEVE- 


218  FACE    TO   FACE 

MENTS,  GEEAT  VICTORIES,  such  pictures  as 
would  proclaim  the  setting  of  the  stars  in  heaven. 
^*For  each  star  differeth  in  its  glory/'  James 
Whitcomb  Riley  painted  pen  pictures;  Long- 
fellow painted  pen  pictures;  Francis  Parkman 
painted  pen  pictures ;  THE  BIBLE  PAINTED 
pen  pictures,  the  like  of  which  man  CAN  NEVER 
IMITATE.  Lincoln  painted  pictures  on  the 
walls  of  the  log  cabin,  and  in  the  hearts  of  the 
blacks.  Theodore  Roosevelt  painted  pictures  on 
the  pages  of  history  and  in  the  hearts  of  men. 
I  would  picture  Roosevelt  as  a  tiger  mothering 
a  Iamb,  for  as  such  his  GREAT  nature  appealed 
to  me. 

P.  T.  Barnum  painted  pictures  that  took  one 
hundred  railroad  cars  to  transport.  In  1879  he 
said  that  90,000,000  people  had  come  to  see  those 
pictures.  General  Tom  Thumb  and  Jenny  Lind 
were  a  part  of  the  beginning  of  Barnum 's  world 
pictures.  James  M.  Barrie,  Scotch  novelist, 
painted  vividly  upon  memory's  walls;  and  so 
might  we  go  on  all  day  telling  of  those  who  have 
painted  pictures  on  the  walls  of  memory  that 
have  never  known  brush  or  pallet,  but  have 
commingled  ART,  HAPPINESS,  and  NATURE 
until  the  grandeur  of  its  Infinite  purpose  illumined 
the  sky,  and  another  star  was  set  in  the  heavens 
to  light  the  way,  making  an  ever  present  picture 
by  which  to  dream,  love,  caress,  ennoble  and  save. 

And  yet,  we  are  to  be  grateful  for  another 
expression  of  art.  Sir  Henry  Irving,  Franz 
Liszt,  Du  Maurier,  have  found  their  way  into 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  Hi 

our  own  laughing  galleries,  where  dreary  hours 
have  been  made  glad  with  PUNCH. 

It  has  often  been  asserted  that  an  author  can- 
not be  a  successful  Evangelist,  and  vice  versa. 
This  was  proven  an  error  when  Henry  Drummond 
in  the  ^* DESCENT  OF  MAN''  made  a  picture 
never  to  be  forgotten. 

OL'AH'S  beautiful  version  of  these  inspira- 
tions— whether  they  be  pen,  brush  or  life 
pictures — is  this:  ^*A  spider's  thread  becomes 
firm  upon  coming  in  contact  with  ether;  so  the 
slender  thread  of  inspiration  weaves  itself  into 
the  thought,  heart,  soul  and  mind  of  man;  per- 
chance to  be  torn  down  by  some  rough  ungainly 
hand,  never  to  be  replaced;  or  perchance 
redeemed  by  some  gentle  hand,  that  will  carry 
it  happily  to  some  great  temple  to  forever  bless 
mankind. ' ' 

There  are  many  expressions  in  the  character 
of  pictures:  Some  that  would  be  out  of  place  in 
the  LIVING  ROOM,  find  a  place  in  the  picture 
galleries,  because  of  the  INTENSE  EMOTION 
pictured  there;  but  people  do  not  want  to  live 
with  them.  They  want  to  be  happy,  and  they 
want  the  art  that  will  make  them  happy,  or  add 
to  happiness,  for  man  himself  is  a  part  of 
DIVINE  ART,  the  soul  of  love,  the  soul  of 
harmony.  Man  is  NOT  expressing  his  Divine 
RIGHT  when  he  REFUSES  these. 

There  is  no  death,  my  friend;  there  can  be  no 
death,  for  every  truth,  science,  and  Divine 
expression,  proclaim  LIFE,  everlasting  life! 
And  this  is  HAPPINESS  IN  COOPERATION 


220  FACE   TO   FACE 

with  art,  for  it  is  the  NATURAL  EXPRESSION 
of  both;  the  ART,  the  GRANDEUR  of  GOD'S 
ATTUNED  PURPOSE. 

INGERSOLL:  ^^Some  may  ask,  are  you  try- 
ing to  take  our  religion  away!  I  answer,  super- 
stition is  not  religion.  Belief  without  evidence 
is  not  religion. 

**To  love  justice  and  right,  to  love  mercy, 
to  pity  the  suffering,  to  assist  the  weak,  to  forget 
the  wrongs  and  remember  benefits,  to  love  truth, 
to  be  sincere,  to  love  liberty,  to  wage  war 
against  slavery  in  all  forms,  to  love  wife 
and  child  and  friend,  to  make  happy  homes,  to 
love  the  beautiful  in  art,  in  nature,  to  cultivate 
the  mind,  to  be  familiar  with  mighty  thoughts 
that  genius  has  expressed,  their  noble  deeds, 
to  cultivate  courage  and  cheerfulness,  to  cultivate 
hope,  to  see  calm  beyond  the  storm,  the  day 
beyond  the  night,  to  do  the  best  that  can  be  done ; 
that  is  the  religion  of  reason,  the  creed  of 
science;  that  satisfies  the  brain  and  heart. 

*^But  says  the  prejudiced  priest,  malicious 
minister,  ^You  take  away  the  future  life.'  I  am 
not  trying  to  destroy  another  world,  but  I  am 
endeavoring  to  prevent  the  theologians  from 
destroying  this.'' 

LOTUS:  First  of  all,  you  are  not  consistent. 
Consistency  is  order;  order  is  the  first  law  of 
nature;  without  nature,  there  is  nothing;  we 
have  lost  the  chord  of  Infinite  At-one-ness.  When 
we  go  against  nature,  we  no  longer  revolve 
with  the  universe,  we  break  the  natural  course 
of  the  Divine  within;  hence,  we  are  no  longer 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  221 

boundless,  but  soundless,  so  to  speak.  The 
Divine  cannot  play  upon  a  stringless  instrument ; 
therefore,  it  is  necessary  to  attune  oneself  to 
nature  and  the  laws  governing  nature,  to  reflect 
nature  from  within  or  without.  You  say,  Inger- 
soll,  **How  malicious  is  mercy,  how  revengeful 
is  boundless  love";  and  yet,  in  the  above  account 
you  say:  ^*To  love  mercy,  to  pity  the  suffering, 
to  love  justice  and  right,  to  love  truth,  etc.,  is 
the  true  religion. ' '  One  moment,  please.  Are  not 
mercy,  love  and  truth  the  QUALITIES  of 
PUEE  CONSCIENCE?  Are  not  mercy  and  truth 
the  ATTRIBUTES  of  BOUNDLESS  LOVE? 
Are  not  ALL  of  these  virtues  you  have  set  down 
the  SUBSTANCE  of  the  Godhead,  exalted 
happiness  ? 

Again  in  a  previous  chapter,  Ingersoll  says: 
*'Give  to  me  the  storm  and  tempest  of  thought 
rather  than  the  dead  calm  of  ignorance  and 
faith.'*  In  the  above  statement  he  says:  ^^LOOK 
BEYOND  the  storm  and  tempest  of  TODAY.'' 
What  is  that  but  faith?  What  IS  LOOKING 
BEYOND  the  trials  and  storms  of  today,  but 
FAITH  IN  THE  TOMORROW?  What  is  that 
but  holding  harmony  in  pure  conscience?  And 
what  is  pure  conscience  but  RELIGIOUS 
consciousness  ? 

To  exercise  love,  truth,  mercy,  justice;  to  seek 
the  beautiful,  man  must  first  liberate  his  own 
intelligence  in  pure  conscience,  that  he  may  recog- 
nize these  attributes  as  a  part  of  his  natural  self, 
the  Divine  within.  To  liberate  intelligence 
is  to  seek  the  kingdom  FIRST. 


222  FACE    TO   FACE 

To  wage  war  against  slavery,  error  of  what- 
ever nature,  man  must  first  know  the  truth 
WITHIN;  then  will  he  be  ENABLED  to  work 
in  the  WITHOUT.  Divine  mind  is  pure 
conscience,  but  it  must  be  also  liberated  from 
carnal  mind  before  it  CAN  express  itself  in  pure 
conscience,  or  command  obedience  to  the  LAW 
OF  FEEEDOM  in  a  material  sense. 

To  make  a  happy  home  is  the  harmony  of 
thought  motives — the  law  of  nature.  To  love 
the  beautiful  is  to  admit  inspiration.  To  love 
nature  is  to  love  God.  Divine  light,  truth,  does 
away  with  midnight  thoughts.  There  are  no 
blinds  down  in  pure  conscience.  To  cultivate 
cheerfulness  is  to  give  FEEEDOM  to  the  soul. 
To  make  OTHEES  HAPPY  requires  a  lot  of 
sacrifice,  a  wee  bit  of  wisdom,  and  a  mighty 
determination  to  forget  self. 

To  fill  life  with  the  splendor  of  genius  is  to 
call  forth  the  FOECES  OF  INTELLIGENCE 
INTO  ACTIVE  PEINCIPLES.  To  discard 
error  is  to  ACCEPT  THE  TEUTH,  the  Divine 
principle  that  embodies  spirit.  To  cultivate  hope 
is  to  throw  out  the  life  line  between  spirit  and 
mortal. 

^*Hark  ye,  man  cannot  push  the  sun  from  the 
heavens,  neither  can  he  pull  the  moon  from  its 
socket;  the  stars  look  down  in  scorn  on  him  who 
sayeth  there  is  no  God,  there  is  no  life  beyond 
the  grave." 

INGEESOLL:  ^*  People  know  now  that  the 
love  of  a  saint  has  no  greater  value  than  the  love 
of  an  animal.'* 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  223 

LOTUS :  The  finer  the  instrument  the  sweeter 
the  music.  The  more  exalted  man  becomes,  the 
more  spiritual,  the  better  is  he  enabled  to 
BESTOW  LOVE  in  pure  conscience.  The  love 
of  an  animal  is  faithful;  the  love  of  the  pure  in 
heart  is  not  ONLY  FAITHFUL,  but  FULL  OF 
UNDEESTANDING.  Like  attracts  like ;  if  you 
are  susceptible  to  the  vibrations  of  love,  given  in 
pure  conscience,  you  will  receive  abundantly. 

INGERSOLL:  ^^  People  know  now  that  a  rag 
from  a  wandering  beggar  is  just  as  good  as  one 
from  a  saint,  and  that  hair  from  a  horse  will 
cure  disease  just  as  quickly  and  surely  as  the 
hair  of  a  mitre.  We  know  that  all  these  relics 
are  religious  rubbish,  that  those  who  use  them 
are,  for  the  most  part,  idiots. 

**Our  ancestors  did  not  regard  these  relics  as 
medicine  having  curative  power;  but  the  idea 
was  that  evil  spirits  stood  in  dread  of  holy 
things,  that  they  fled ;  and  when  Holy  Water  was 
sprinkled  on  man,  they  immediately  left  the 
premises.  So  these  devils  dreaded  and  hated 
the  sound  of  holy  bells,  the  light  of  sacred 
tapers,  and  above  all,  the  ever  blessed  cross. 
In  those  days  the  priests  were  fishers  for  money ; 
they  used  these  relics  as  bait.'* 

LOTUS:  Sacred  relics  suggest  to  mind  the 
POWER  of  things  holy.  ''As  ye  think,  so  shall 
it  be.*' 

We  call  the  grave  of  mother  sacred.  It  is  a 
relic,  an  object  of  reverence;  we  know  full  well 
it  is  NOT  MOTHER  that  is  THERE,  but  it  is 
the  body  of  what  WAS,  the  body  of  one  we  loved 


224  FACE    TO   FACE 

above  all  else  in  this  world.  We  kneel  there  and 
say  our  prayers;  we  feel  comforted,  healed; 
why?  Because  that  SPOT  is  held  sacred  to  the 
memory  of  one  who  DID  heal  through  LOVE, 
the  most  wonderful  love  man  has  ever  known. 
We  would  punish  any  one  to  the  full  extent  of 
the  law  who  would  dare  defile  that  sacred  relic. 
What  then,  are  we  less  than  these? 

In  Chicago  there  is  a  little  church,  a  modest 
little  church  in  structure.  Inside,  the  walls  are 
covered  with  crutches  of  those  who  have  gone 
forth  HEALED,  needing  them  no  more.  A  great 
HEALING  FOECE  is  felt  the  moment  one 
enters  here;  the  atmosphere  is  permeated  with 
it;  this  holy  shrine  has  brought  thousands  relief; 
it  is  impossible  to  kneel  there  and  not  feel  the 
POWER  OF  SPIRIT.  It  is  not  a  trick  of  the 
imagination  to  those  who  enter  there  seeking  the 
gift  of  the  spirit.  The  POWER  OF  SPIRIT  is 
brought  vividly  before  the  thinking  one,  and 
faith  is  perfected. 

Is  this,  then,  not  like  unto  the  supreme  faith 
of  a  little  child? 

**  Except  ye  become  as  little  children,  ye  cannot 
enter  the  kingdom  of  Heaven.''  AH,  those  who 
entered  there  and  were  healed  HAD  the  faith  of 
a  little  child.  Life,  happiness,  TRUTH,  THE 
SUPREME,  is  found  only  in  the  secret  of  His 
presence.  I  cry  with  the  healed :  HOLY,  HOLY, 
HOLY,  Blessed  God  Almighty!  Ah,  it  is  but 
the  echo  of  HEAVEN'S  ARTILLERY. 

FAITH  lights  the  taper  of  Divine  love  within 
these    soul-sick    maimed    bodies.      Oh,    blessed 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT? 

RUBBISH   HEAP;   blessed,   THRICE   blessed, 
is  he  who  is  privileged  to  kneel  before  it. 

FOREVER  RING,  ye  sacred  bells; 
Ring  on  FOREVER  and  for  aye. 
We  hold  no  fear  for  future  year, 
The  while  your  chimes  are  tolled. 

And  there  are  other  relics  that  bring  with 
them  the  BIRTH  OF  THINGS  MADE  HOLY 
by  the  WORD  OF  GOD  AND  PRAISE.  Our 
rubbish  heaps  are  FILLED  with  mother's 
prayers,  father's  hopes,  with  childhood  croons, 
wedding  bells,  and  perchance  the  wreath  that's 
laid  away;  we  cannot  touch  it,  nay,  not  today; 
it  is  Spring,  and  we  want  to  be  glad;  but  to- 
morrow, when  sorrow  knocks,  we  hold  it  lovingly 
in  our  arms;  it  trembles  with  the  power  of 
spirit;  we  cry  aloud:  ^^OH,  MOTHER,  FATHER, 
DO  YOU  NOT  KNOW?"  We  rest  our  head 
among  the  faded  flowers,  tears  bedew  them; 
we  feel  at  peace;  the  healing  power  of  spirit 
passeth  by — we  have  held  in  our  arms  our  relic, 
in  which  is  spirit  breath. 

*^  Great  is  the  mystery  of  Godliness  manifest 
in  the  flesh,  justified  in  spirit,  seen  of  angels, 
preached  unto  the  gentiles,  believed  on  in  the 
world,  received  up  into  glory." 

^'For  God  hath  not  given  us  the  spirit  of  fear, 
but  of  power,  of  love,  and  of  sound  mind." 

*^  Again  I  say  unto  you,  oh  ye  of  LITTLE 
faith,  man  hath  an  earthly  body  and  a  spiritual 
body." 


226  FACE   TO   FACE 

"Why  should  we  marvel  at  the  change  called 
death?  Is  it  any  more  wonderful  than  birth? 
The  body  is  the  substance  of  things  earthly;  the 
SPIEIT  EISES  ABOVE  DECAY.  K  the  north 
wind  blows  now,  must  we  forget  the  Spring? 
If  the  tree  has  lost  its  leaves,  must  we  forget 
the  fruit  it  gave  to  us  before  it  went  into 
the  Silence  for  a  season?  All  nature  blends 
with  the  harmony  of  silence;  all  nature  retires 
into  the  silence  in  due  season,  gathering  NEW 
FORCE,  NEW  POWER,  to  produce  the  unfold- 
ment  of  spring,  the  emblem  of  happiness,  life 
and  love,  yea  my  friend,  we  may  meet  again  in 
the  unfolding  of  spring,  somewhere,  some  day. 
When  man  loses  the  way  of  smiling,  empty  and 
drear  are  the  rooms  of  the  heart.  When  the 
tapers  of  love  burn  low,  it  is  as  the  darkness  of 
night;  it  is  then  the  soul  sleepeth — forgetting. 

AWAKE!  Heaven's  Artillery  is  sounding. 
AWAKE!  Ah,  there  is  the  sentinel  at  the  door 
watching;  to  sleep  on  duty  is  death;  ^* Behold! 
Who  goeth  in  before? '^     Man,  it  is  thy  brother. 

INGERSOLL:  ^'The  meanest  thing  charged 
against  the  devil  is  that  he  led  the  children  of 
men  into  temptation,  and  yet  in  the  Lord's 
Prayer  God  is  insultingly  asked  not  to  invite 
the  king  of  fiends — lead  us  not  into  temptation." 

LOTUS:  ^^This  particular  phrase  in  the 
Lord's  Prayer,"  says  Ol'ah,  ** comes  from  a 
wrong  interpretation.  It  should  read  ^LEAD 
US  OUT  OF  TEMPTATION'  in  place  of 
^INTO  TEMPTATION.'  If  the  world  is  not 
satisfied  upon  this  point  let  it  investigate.    It  is 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  227 

well  worth  the  time  and  trouble,  expense  too,  for 
that  matter.'' 

I  am  at  sea  as  to  OPah's  version;  but  it 
could  be  possible,  you  know.  However,  were  it 
correct  to  the  letter,  I  see  no  cause  for 
comment,  for  has  not  God  said :  ^  ^  The  weak  must 
suffer  to  be  made  strong''? 

A  mother  teaches  her  child  through  the 
power  of  demonstration  to  resist  temptation  and 
desire.  The  child's  attention  is  called  to  things 
detrimental  to  character  and  bodily  comfort;  the 
mother  forbidding  the  child  to  touch  the  fire,  let 
us  say,  telling  him  what  the  CONSEQUENCES 
will  be  if  he  disobeys.  She  lets  the  child  alone, 
watching,  waiting,  to  see  whether  he  will  obey 
her — or  desire.  The  child  succumbs  to  desire; 
the  mother  grieves,  but  comforts  the  child 
saying:  ^^WHY  DID  YOU  NOT  OBEY 
MOTHER,  SHE  KNOWS  BEST?"  The  child 
has  been  taught  the  evil  of  coveting  things 
detrimental,  and  it  has  been  taught  the  comfort 
that  parental  love  brings  when  things  go  wrong. 
It  is  to  me  a  beautiful  and  NATURAL  phase  of 
our  Heavenly  Father's  guidance. 

Had  man  no  temptations  to  overcome,  he 
would  be  a  confirmed  weakling,  with  no  strength 
of  character  or  determination,  a  fearful  object  of 
dependent  charity.  There  would  be  no  spirit  of 
valor  in  the  world,  no  inventive  spirit  to  continu- 
ally surprise  and  make  our  progress  upon  this 
plane  more  comfortable,  more  pleasurable;  we 
would,  in  fact,  be  little  less  than  creeping  things. 


228  FACE    TO   FACE 

There  would  be  no  pulsating  world  events  to 
COMPEL  the  cooling  drink  at  the  fount  of 
reason. 

The  echo  of  Heaven's  Artillery  will  yet 
QUICKEN  THE  TRUTH  WITHIN  THE  SOUL 
OF  MAN,  and  he  will  RISE  from  the  grave  of 
ignorance. 

INGERSOLL:  ''How  can  we  lessen  crime? 
In  spite  of  all  that  has  been  said  and  done  for 
the  reformation  of  the  world;  in  spite  of  all  the 
forces  of  nature  that  are  not  the  tireless  slaves 
of  men;  in  spite  of  all  improvements  in  agricul- 
ture and  mechanics;  in  every  department  of 
human  labor,  the  world  is  still  cursed  with 
poverty  and  with  crime.  For  many  thousands  of 
years  man  has  endeavored  to  reform  his  fellow 
man  by  imprisonment,  torture,  mutilation  and 
death,  and  yet  the  history  of  the  world  shows 
that  there  has  been,  and  is,  no  reforming  power 
in  punishment.  It  is  impossible  to  make  the 
punishment  great  enough  to  lessen  the  crime. 

*'The  question  is,  whether  reformation  is 
possible;  whether  a  change  can  be  produced  in 
the  person  by  producing  a  change  in  conditions? 
The  criminal  is  dangerous,  and  society  has  a 
right  to  protect  itself. 

''The  penitentiary  should  be  a  school;  the  con- 
victs should  be  educated ;  the  best  men  should  have 
charge  of  the  prisons;  they  should  be  philan- 
thropists and  philosophers;  they  should  know 
something  of  human  nature.  The  prisoner  having 
been  taught — we  will  say  five  years — the  under- 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT!  229 

lying  principles  of  conduct,  naturalness,  har- 
mony, virtue,  the  discord  of  crime,  and  having 
been  convinced  that  society  has  no  hatred,  that 
nobody  wishes  to  punish,  to  degrade  or  rob  him; 
and  being  paid  a  reasonable  price  for  his  labor; 
being  allowed  by  law  to  change  his  name,  that 
his  identity  will  not  be  preserved;  he  would  go 
out  of  the  prison  a  friend  of  the  government  and 
would  have  the  feeling  that  he  has  been  made 
a  better  man/' 

MATERIAL  POWER 

LOTUS:  Handing  a  check  of  deceit  with  the 
pay  roll  would  be  a  discredit  to  the  man,  a 
disloyal  act  towards  the  government  and  society. 
No  man  is  a  friend  of  the  government  who  wears 
a  false  face  to  the  judgment  seat.  Deception  is 
not  a  stimulant  to  character  building.  All  the 
teaching  that  could  be  drilled  into  a  man  of  that 
caliber  would  lose  its  effect  by  permitting  him 
to  LIVE  A  LIE.  One  deceit  breeds  another.  It 
would  not  be  long  until  the  man  had  a  multitude 
of  errors  added  to  his  crime. 

TEUTH  is  the  substance  of  happiness.  Why 
send  the  man  forth  in  UNTRUTH,  thus  shutting 
the  door  to  a  better  future?  If  he  CAN  forget, 
let  him;  he  has  paid  the  price.  Why  send  him 
groping  through  the  dark  dungeon  of  deception? 
^^I  am  the  WAY,  the  TRUTH  and  the  LIFE.'' 
^^LOVE  THY  ENEMIES.''  ^' Bless  them  that 
curse  and  despitefully  use  you."  This  is  not 
written  in  the  book  of  deception. 


230  FACE   TO   FACE 

When  we  love,  we  protect;  when  we  loyally 
defend,  it  is  through  truth,  not  error.  A  crown 
will  topple  and  fall  from  a  head  that  shakes 
from  confusion.  Show  not  ^^one  of  these'* 
diversity  of  ways,  lest  it  crumble  the  little 
happiness  that  MIGHT  be  the  SALVATION  OF 
SOULS.  If  we  are  numbered  among  the  influ- 
ential, let  us  use  that  influence  to  scatter  the 
truth  broadcast,  until  fields  of  great  delight 
spring  up  before  us,  showing  faces  alight  with 
His  likeness  and  image. 

Wavering  truth  must  be  replaced  by  a  solid 
foundation,  or  our  castles  will  topple  and  fall. 
Otherwise  we  hinder  great  forces  in  a  cloud  of 
mistrust  and  doubt,  for  who  believeth  a  cheerful 
liar?  His  jocular  hilarity  brings  confusion,  and 
our  purpose  is  incomplete. 

SINCERITY  is  the  key  that  unlocks  the  door 
that  truth  may  enter;  and  keeps  it  unlocked. 
When  truth,  expressed  in  pure  conscience,  is  the 
universal  harmony  of  the  world,  prison  doors 
will  hang  unlocked,  cells  will  moulder  in  decay. 

Hath  not  God  told  us  this  and  more,  hundreds 
of  years  ago?  Man,  why  sleepest  thou  in  the 
ignorance  of  thy  will?  The  story  of  one  official 
greatly  appealed  to  me.    He  said: 

^^The  day  I  was  elected  is  one  never-to-be-for- 
gotten by  me.  I  was  riding  along  in  my  carriage, 
tipping  my  hat  to  my  fellow  townsmen,  when  I 
spied  in  the  crowd  a  white  faced  man  who,  when 
we  were  boys  together,  I  had  licked.  He  looked 
up   in  my   face,   and   between   set  teeth   hissed, 


HAPPINESS:   WHAT  IS  IT?  231 

*My  turn  will  come  some  day.'  This  man  had 
proven  himself  a  failure.  He  had  done  nothing 
worth  while  for  himself  and  everything  against 
himself;  yet,  I  could  have  put  my  arms  around 
his  neck  (as  I  had  done  after  I  licked  him)  and 
said,  *I  didn't  want  to  hurt  you,  but  you  made 
me  so  dum  mad,  I  just  had  to,  Buzzard.' 

**  Later  I  was  favored  by  helping  Buzzard  out 
of  a  very  awkward  situation.  One  evening,  some 
time  later,  I  was  making  a  speech.  I  paused  to 
take  a  drink  of  water;  as  I  did  so,  I  spied 
Buzzard  in  a  box  with  several  others  whom  I 
recognized  as  boys  of  my  school  days.  I  could 
not  repress  a  smile  that  may  have  had  a  twinge 
of  sarcasm;  I  could  not  help  having  a  little 
repugnant  feeling  toward  the  fellow  who  had 
had  every  advantage  and  taken  none.  From  his 
childhood  days  up  Buzzard  had  been  surrounded 
by  plenty — luxury,  I  might  say — and  the  tender 
love  of  a  wonderful  mother.  A  quiet  unassuming 
father  had  stood  with  tears  in  his  eyes  watching 
his  make-shift  son  do  nothing.  And  yet  Buzzard 
brought  to  my  mind  some  of  the  happiest  days 
of  my  life — my  school  days. 

**I  turned  to  face  my  audience  with  all  the 
fire  of  youth  surging  in  my  veins.  The  audience 
rose  to  its  feet;  it  shouted,  it  cheered,  waved 
hats;  but  above  it  all  the  voice  of  Buzzard — *I 
GOT  YEE.'  Later,  when  the  fight  was  over  and  I 
was  safely  installed  for  another  term,  I  said 
I  GOT  YEE !  I  shook  the  hand  of  Buzzard  with 
a  grasp  that  no  man  ever  mistakes.     Buzzard 


232  FACE   TO   FACE 

had  worked  hard  in  my  behalf;  some  of  the  fire 
of  youth  that  I  had  felt  seemed  to  spring  into 
his  veins  and  make  a  MAN  OF  HIM. 

**My  second  term  was  one  of  still  greater 
responsibility.  I  GOT  YEE  was  my  watchword, 
my  stimulant;  it  thrilled  me;  it  was  my  inspira- 
tion. I  longed  to  go  back  to  the  football  games 
and  kick  Buzzard's  shins,  I  grew  so  elated  over 
I  GOT  YER.  I  spent  many  sleepless  nights 
during  my  second  term,  but  I  would  always  cry 
out  with  the  dawn,  I  GOT  YER! 

**A  friend  returned  to  us  through  the  valley 
of  hate  is  worth  a  multitude  of  THREE 
CHEERS  FOR  KELLY!  WE  do  not  know  how 
many  powers  there  be  in  the  wake  of  our  influ- 
ence, but  I  would  rather  have  one  friend  returned 
with  I  GOT  YER!  than  to  have  thousands  won 
by  THREE  CHEERS  FOR  KELLY. »» 

INGERSOLL:  ^^By  the  homestead  laws  a 
home  of  a  certain  value  (to  a  certain  extent)  is 
exempt  from  forced  levy  of  sale,  and  these  have 
done  great  good;  undoubtedly  they  have  trebled 
the  homes  of  the  nation.  I  wish  to  go  a  step 
further:  I  want,  if  possible,  to  get  the  people 
out  of  the  tenements;  out  of  the  gutters  of 
degradation  to  homes  where  there  can  be  privacy 
and  where  these  people  can  feel  that  they  are  in 
partnership  with  nature;  that  they  have  an 
interest  in  good  government. 

^*  Nothing  is  more  important  to  America  than 
that  the  babies  of  America  should  be  born  around 
the  fireside  of  homes.     I  wish  that  this   state- 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  233 

ment  would  take  root  and  grow,  turning  some  of 
the  hundreds  of  acres  of  uncultivated  land  into 
thrifty  homes,  whose  tenants  are  men,  women 
and  children.'* 

LOTUS:  No  one  who  has  not  stepped  from 
the  door  of  a  prairie  home  into  the  wonderful 
moonlight  can  fathom  the  depths  of  being  at 
HOME  WITH  NATUEE. 

Go  through  fields  of  grain  by  foot  and  FEEL 
THE  THRILL  IT  BRINGS.  Go  through  the 
fields  at  sunset,  BRING  THE  COWS  HOME, 
see  what  a  pulsating  feeling  of  Joy  comes  home 
with  you,  just  happy  to  be  alive  to  the  respond- 
ing chords  of  nature.  Turn  as  you  go  and  look 
towards  the  city  where  people  pay  from  twenty- 
five  to  one  hundred  for  one,  two,  or  three  little 
holes  in  the  wall,  where  impatient  feet  resound 
overhead,  where  the  clash  of  discord  comes  from 
all  quarters  in  street  and  building.  Compare 
this  with  a  home  in  the  country  or  suburbs 
where  nature  sings  from  morn  till  night,  where 
fragrant  blossoms  nod  you  welcome,  where  the 
scent  of  fresh  cut  grass  lulls  you  to  slumber. 
Listen  to  the  locusts,  the  bees;  how  CLOSE  TO 
GOD  WE  COME  WHEN  WE  ARE  OUT  IN 
THE  GREAT  OPEN. 

We  burrow  a  little  apartment,  and  then  the 
LACK  of  life  itself  until  we  learn  to  APPRE- 
CIATE the  little  things  we  bring  into  these 
little  apartments;  something  from  NATURE, 
something  from  the  GARDEN  OP  GOD.  When 
we  DO  learn  the  value  of  these  and  place  them 


234  FACE   TO   FACE 

within  these  little  rooms,  in  peace  and  quietude 
of  soul  harmony,  and  DREAM  ourselves  in 
the  open,  we  are  better  enabled  to  reap  the  good 
in  life. 

We  have  to  have  these  little  holes  in  the  wall 
to  accommodate  those  who  toil  and  labor,  and 
those  who  do  not.  Every  one  of  his  kind  must 
have  shelter  in  a  place  where  he  can  live,  or 
exist,  as  the  case  may  be.  BUT,  it  is  a  lack  of 
knowledge  of  the  things  in  the  Garden  of  God 
that  makes  these  people  exist  only.  Were  they 
to  elevate  their  mind  to  the  heights  wherein  is 
found  the  REAL,  they  would  not  exist  only,  and 
there  would  not  be  so  many  sweltering  in  the 
tidal  waves  of  material  indifference  to  the 
LAWS  of  God  and  Nature.  These  would  seek 
homes  in  nature,  no  longer  finding  happiness  in 
the  humidity  of  sin  and  indifference.  Some 
homes  hold  the  thrill  of  nature  in  their  very 
beams;  and  some  never  know  aught  but  the 
discord  of  ugliness  within  and  without. 

Homes  are  made  by  women,  sought  by  men, 
appreciated  by  children.  Woman,  thou  hast  a 
NOBLE  calling;  let  the  following  be  in  pure 
conscience. 

Children  should  be  reared  in  an  atmosphere  of 
flower  vibrations  flowing  through  the  soul  of 
those  who  surround  and  care  for  them.  The 
exquisite  refinement  of  harmonious  love  will 
enliven  and  quicken  a  natural  growth  in  children 
that  will  be  as  an  outlet  for  latent  talents  that 
might  otherwise  lie  dormant  and  useless. 


HAPPINESS:   WHAT  IS  I't?  23S 

I  want  to  add  here  a  little  story  of  a  cabin 
home  among  the  colored  race,  which  beckoned 
harmony  in  all  things  until  it  became  a 
HAPPY  REALITY.  A  theme  of  material 
power.  A  home,  though  humble,  in  which  those 
of  greater  wealth  might  have  found  a  bit  of 
truth  over  which  to  rejoice.  We  find  our 
examples  in  the  little  golf  holes,  where  men  have 
enjoyed  or  been  disappointed  in  the  game  of  life. 

Tom  was  a  prosperous  colored  fellow,  in  his 
humble  way.  I  could  but  wonder  why  he  was 
always  smiling,  always  singing.  I  remarked 
this  to  a  friend.  **0h,''  she  said,  ^'it  is  the 
nature  of  all  darkies,  they  just  don't  seem  to 
care.''  I  told  her  that  I  did  not  think  so  in 
Tom's  case;  there  must  be  some  logic  somewhere. 
I  strolled  over  to  the  neat  little  home;  the  yard 
was  bright  with  flowers;  the  house  shone  white 
and  clean.  The  happy  wife  asked  me  if  I  would 
come  in  and  have  a  cool  drink  of  milk.  I  thanked 
her  and  asked  to  see  Tom. 

**Yas-em,  Missy,  anything  wrong?" 

**No,  and  yes.  I  am  all  wrong  inside,  Mandy; 
I  want  to  see  Tom." 

Mandy,  spick  and  span  in  her  starched  blue 
print,  rushed  out  to  Tom,  who  was  busy  with  his 
chickens. 

**Tom,  oh,  Tom,  Missy  Julia  don  come  to  see 
you  all,  and  she  am  wrong  inside.  Heah  me, 
Tom;  you  come  on  now!" 

Tom  came  in,  panting  from  his  run!  *^ Missy 
Julia,  Missy  Julia,  what  am  de  mattah!" 


236  FACE    TO   FACE 

^^Tom,  I  want  you  to  tell  me  how  you  became 
such  a  prosperous  business  man.'^ 

Tom  sat  down  in  a  near-by  chair,  wiping  the 
perspiration  from  his  face,  looking  quite  dis- 
gusted. 

^*Now,  Missy  Julia,  I  done  to't  youse  all  sick. 
Howevah:  ef  you  all  had  a  dollah  and  a  dime 
and  de  Lo'd  don  come  along  and  say,  *Tom,  you 
gib  me  dat  dollah,  I  needs  it  for  de  poah,  you  all 
keep  de  dime.'  '' 

**Yes,  Tom,  go  on.'' 

^^You  all  s'posin'  I'se  gwine  keep  dat  dime 
hangin'  round  till  I  done  gits  ti'ed  lookin'  at  it? 
NO,  SAH,  I  AIN'T.  I'se  gwine  to  buy  eggs  an' 
set  ma  ol'  hen,  an'  profit,  I  is." 

^^But,  Tom,  you  can't  buy  but  two  eggs  for  a 
dime  these  days." 

**I  done  know  dat,  but  one  of  'em  is  gwine 
hatch,  and  dat  chicken  gwine  bring  a  dollah  an' 
seventy-five  cents,  ain't  it?  I  done  got  my  sta't 
dat  way.  Missy  Julia.  An'  when  de  Lo'd  comes 
back,  I'll  gib  Him  TWO  and  have  JES'  SO 
MUCH  CEEDIT  IN  HEBEN— AN'  JES'  SO 
MUCH  IN  MA  BACK  YA'D:  SO  I'SE  SAVED 
BOTH  WAYS." 

There  was  nothing  wrong  inside  when  I  left 
Tom,  even  though  he  did  forget  to  mention  that 
he  did  hauling  for  a  living.  It  was  not  the 
hauling  that  paid  for  his  little  home  and  lot,  and 
the  little  garden  plot  on  the  side  that  Mandy 
worked  out   her  blue  prints   and   starching  in; 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  237 

nor  was  it  the  hauling  that  put  over  seven  hun- 
dred chickens  in  his  back  yard. 

Let  us  walk  home  through  the  meadow  and 
think  WHAT  IT  WAS,  while  Tom's  father,  the 
faithful  old  Tom,  and  his  Massah,  await  us  for 
tea.  Old  Tom  had  not  taught  Tom,  Jr.,  to  be  a 
slacker  in  the  Garden  of  God,  even  if  he  did  not 
fully  trust  the  Lord  to  keep  his  secrets. 

INGEESOLL ;  ' '  Let  every  human  being,  within 
the  limits  of  the  possible,  be  self-supporting; 
let  everyone  take  intelligent  thought  for  the 
morrow;  and  if  a  human  being  support  himself 
and  has  a  surplus,  let  him  use  a  part  of  the 
surplus  for  the  unfortunate;  and  let  each  one, 
to  the  extent  of  his  ability,  help  his  fellow  man. 
Let  him  do  what  he  can  in  the  circle  of  his  own 
acquaintances  to  rescue  the  fallen,  to  help  those 
who  are  trying  to  help  themselves,  to  give  work 
to  the  idle. 

**Let  him  distribute  his  words  of  wisdom,  of 
cheerfulness  and  hope.  In  other  words,  let  every 
human  being  do  all  the  good  he  can,  and  let  him 
bind  up  the  wounds  of  his  creatures;  and  at  the 
same  time  put  forth  every  effort  to  hasten  the 
coming  of  a  better  day.  This,  in  my  judgment, 
is  real  religion.  To  do  all  the  good  we  can,  is  to 
be  a  saint  in  the  highest  and  noblest  sense.  This 
is  to  be  really  and  truly  practical.  To  relieve 
suffering;  to  put  the  star  of  hope  in  the  midst 
of  despair;  this  is  true  holiness;  this  is  the 
religion  of  sense.  The  old  creeds  are  too 
narrow,  they  are  not  for  the  world  in  which  we 


238  FACE    TO   FACE 

live.  The  old  dogmas  lack  breadth;  they  are  too 
cruel,  too  merciless,  too  savage.  We  are  growing 
grander,  nobler. 

*  *  The  firmament  inlaid  with  suns  is  the  dome  of 
the  real  cathedral;  the  interpreters  of  nature 
are  the  trees  and  holy  priests.  In  the  creeds  are 
all  the  truths  that  have  been  uttered,  and  the 
real  litany  will  be  found  in  the  ecstasies  and 
aspirations  of  the  soul;  all  dreams  of  joy,  all 
hope  of  a  nobler  and  fuller  life.  The  real  church, 
the  real  edifice,  is  adorned  and  glorified  by  what 
art  has  done.  The  real  choir  is  all  the  thrilling 
music  of  the  world,  and  the  star-lit  isles  have 
been,  and  are,  the  grandest  of  every  land  and 
clime. ' ' 

LOTUS:  There  can  be  no  stronger  advocate 
of  nature's  thrills,  no  one  who  more 
THOROUGHLY  enjoys  the  HIGHEST  AND 
BEST  IN  NATURE,  than  myself;  and  yet,  it 
is  soundless  to  those  who  omit  the  substance  of 
God  in  it.  It  is  the  Divine  that  makes  all  the 
music. 

Light  the  seven  lamps.  IngersoU  says  so  much 
that  is  beautiful,  it  is  almost  a  shame  to  wipe  it 
off  the  slate,  nevertheless,  we  must  see  beneath 
the  varnish.  All  of  the  virtues  that  have  been 
pictured  are  but  the  reflection  of  the  ten  com- 
mandments. Why  varnish  them?  Thou  wouldst 
have  us  enter  a  cathedral  of  the  world,  and  not 
the  TRUE  CATHEDRAL  that  EMBRACES 
BOTH  NATURE  and  God? 

Religion  is  not  built,  it  is  inspired.     The  hand 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  239 

that  plays  upon  the  harp  of  inspiration  is  spirit. 
We  sometimes  become  imbued  with  exaltation 
when  man  has  accomplished  some  great  feat,  and 
then  relax  into  a  stupor  of  wonderment.  We 
need  not  wonder  when  Grod  is  in  it;  it  is  His 
power  making  itself  manifest  in  His  likeness 
and  image.  It  is  this  that  places  man  on  the 
great  plane  of  progression,  enabling  him  TO  DO 
unto  others  as  he  would  be  done  by.  Ecstasy  of 
soul  is  the  understone  of  spirit. 

Happiness,  my  friend,  comes  from  a  Divine 
source;  it  is  the  essence  of  His  presence  express- 
ing in  things  that  go  to  make  the  world.  It  is  the 
sublime  knot  that  tethers  the  runaway  conscience 
to  the  spirit  of  truth.  It  is  found  more  often 
through  some  achievement  that  has  required  a 
greater  amount  of  struggle  and  sacrifice  than  we 
THOUGHT  we  could  have  borne.  The  realiza- 
tion that  God  places  not  one  burden  upon  man*s 
back  that  he  is  not  able  to  carry  GIVES  JOY; 
the  fact  that  we  have,  of  OUESELVES,  learned 
to  overcome  is  bliss.  The  realization  that  when 
we  DO  BELIEVE  opens  the  way  sometimes 
before  the  request  has  left  the  lips  that  uttered 
it,  brings  UNTOLD  HAPPINESS,  for  in  it  is 
the  quiet  but  potent  power  that  sent  vibrating 
through  the  world  the  mightiness  of  His  will. 

**  Beloved,  believe  not  every  spirit,  but  try 
the  spirits  whether  they  are  of  God,  because 
many  false  prophets  are  ^one  out  into  the  world. 
Hereby  know  ye  the  spirit  of  God.  Every  spirit 
that  confesseth  that  Jesus  Christ  is  come  in  the 


240  FACE   TO   FACE 

flesh  is  of  God;  and  every  spirit  that  confesseth 
not  that  Jesus  Christ  is  come  in  the  flesh  is  not 
of  God;  and  this  is  the  spirit  of  anti-Christ 
whereof  ye  have  heard  that  it  should  come,  and 
EVEN  NOW  ALREADY  IS  IN  THE  WORLD. 

*'Ye  are  of  God,  little  children,  and  have  over- 
come them;  because  greater  is  He  that  is  in  you 
than  he  that  is  in  the  world.  They  are  of  the 
world,  therefore  speak  they  of  the  world,  and 
the  world  heareth  them. 

**We  are  of  God;  he  that  knoweth  God  heareth 
us ;  he  that  is  not  of  God  heareth  not  us.  Hereby 
know  ye  the  spirit  of  truth  and  the  spirit  of 
error. 

*^ Beloved,  let  us  love  one  another;  for  love  is 
of  God,  and  every  one  that  loveth  is  born  of 
God,  and  knoweth  God.  He  that  loveth  not, 
knoweth  not  God,  for  GOD  IS  LOVE. 

*^In  this  was  manifested  the  love  of  God  towards 
us,  because  God  sent  His  only  begotten  Son 
into  the  world  that  we  might  live  through  Him. 

**  Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  but  that 
HE  LOVED  US,  and  sent  HIS  SON  to  be  the 
propitiation  for  our  sins.  Beloved,  if  God  so 
loved  us,  we  ought  also  to  love  one  another. 

**No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time.  If  we 
love  one  another  God  dwelleth  in  us,  and  His 
love  is  perfected  in  us.  Hereby  know  ye  that 
we  dwell  in  Him,  and  He  in  us ;  because  He  hath 
given  us  of  His  spirit.  And  we  have  seen  and 
do  testifv  that  the  Father  sent  the  Son  TO  BE 
SAVIOUR  of  the  world. 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  241 

*  *  Whosoever  shall  confess  that  Jesus  is  the  Son 
of  God,  God  dwelloth  in  him  and  he  in  God. 
And  we  have  known  and  believed  the  love  that 
God  hath  for  us.  God  is  love,  and  he  that 
dwelleth  in  love  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in 
him. 

**  Herein  is  our  love  made  perfect,  that  we  may 
have  boldness  in  the  day  of  judgment,  because 
as  He  is,  so  are  we. 

*^  There  is  NO  FEAE  IN  LOVE,  but  perfect 
love  CASTETH  OUT  FEAE,  because  fear  hath 
torment;  HE  THAT  FEAEETH  IS  NOT  MADE 
PEEFECT  IN  LOVE. 

^^We  love  Him  because  He  FIEST  loved  us. 
If  a  man  say,  ^I  love  God'  and  hateth  his  brother, 
he  is  a  liar,  for  he  that  loveth  not  his  brother 
whom  he  hath  seen,  how  can  he  love  God,  whom 
he  hath  not  seen? 

**And  this  commandment  have  we  from  Him; 
That  he  who  loveth  God,  loveth  his  brother  also. ' ' 

INGEESOLL:  *^  Under  the  Mosaic  dispen- 
sation there  was  no  remission  for  sin  except 
through  the  shedding  of  blood.  The  greater  the 
sin  the  greater  the  sacrifice.  Every  priest 
became  a  butcher,  every  synagogue  a  slaughter 
house. '  * 

LOTUS:  The  greater  the  crime,  the  more 
ASSUEEDLY  do  we  have  to  work  to  redeem 
ourselves,  and  others;  not  only  that  we  may 
receive  the  crown,  but  in  respect  before  the 
world.  Sin  demands  blood;  it  is  the  law  of  cause 
and  effect.    LOVE  demands  sacrifice;  it  absorbs 


242  FACE  TO  FACE 

the  ego  of  self-conscience,  regret  and  fear,  leav- 
ing the  limitless  power  in  which  and  by  which 
we  may  work  out  the  salvation  of  those  for 
whom  we  are  sacrificing,  bringing  them  into 
their  OWN;  bringing  OUESELVES  into  greater 
power,  greater  understanding,  through  the 
DEMONSTEATION  OF  TRUTH. 

When  man  ceases  to  LIVE  FOR  THE 
LITTLE  SELF,  he  is  demonstrating  the  power 
of  spirit;  the  Divine  within.  TRUTH  demands 
more  TRUTH  in  return;  hence  the  LIMITLESS 
POWER  of  sacrifice  is  demonstrated.  The 
LITTLE  self  slays  the  lives,  hopes  and 
ambitions  of  others ;  it  is  a  deplorable  power  that 
EXTINGUISHES  THE  LIGHT  OF  SOUL. 

Jesus  came  to  redeem  us  from  the  LITTLE 
self.  He  gave  His  life  that  He  might,  through 
the  power  of  spirit,  make  easy  the  way  for  His 
loved  ones. 

Blood  is  the  POWER  of  BIRTH,  the  POWER 
OF  LIFE,  the  GATES  AJAR,  the  MATERIAL- 
IZED  EXPRESSION  OF  THE  SPOKEN 
WORD.  ^^If  ye  WILL  receive,  ye  MAY  receive.'* 
He  who  never  sacrificed  has  never  loved. 

There  is  a  beautiful  memory  that  clings  to 
the  most  of  us;  that  is,  the  tender  loving  care 
and  protection  that  was  given  us  by  father  and 
mother  in  our  GROWING  DAYS.  The  fortitude 
with  which  they  braved  the  storms  of  MATE- 
RIAL things  was,  at  that  time,  but  natural  to  us. 
Somehow  we  KNEW  that  they  would  tide  us 
over.    We  had  such  FAITH  in  their  ability  TO 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  243 

DO  that  we  LOOKED  for  the  overcoming;  we, 
like  old  Tom,  *'just  naturally  KNEW  they  could 
do  it. ' '  But  when  these  same  trials  come  to  us  in 
more  mature  years,  we  WONDEEED  at  their 
fortitude,  their  strength ;  their  faith  in  God ;  their 
faith  in  us;  and  their  FAITH  in  themselves. 
And  we  loved  them  then,  more  than  ever,  because 
of  the  great  understanding  that  had  come  to  us 
in  the  years  that  we  too  trod  over  the  thorns  of 
material  things.  Why  then  strange  that  our 
Heavenly  Father  should  weep  for  what  He  had 
HOPED  we  would  be?     ^^ Jesus  wepf 

**And  this  is  love,  that  ye  walk  after  the 
commandments.  This  is  the  commandment: 
That  as  ye  have  heard  from  the  beginning,  ye 
should  walk  in  it.'' 

We  have  drifted  far  down  the  road  in  the  ways 
of  man;  we  see  before  us,  behind  us,  and  ahead 
of  us,  tenfold  sacrifices ;  one  of  the  ten  is  sitting 
under  yonder  tree.  His  eyes  wander  question- 
less over  every  passer  by;  the  world  calls  him 
a  TEAMP.  Let  us  go  back  to  the  year  1896, 
August  5th.  He  and  his  wife  sat  grieving;  their 
only  son  had  killed  his  boyhood  chum;  the  sen- 
tence had  been  Life  Imprisonment;  the  mother 
wept.  Jack  had  been  the  life  of  the  home;  ever 
willing  to  lend  a  helping  hand,  he  was  sadly 
missed.  With  love  in  his  heart,  the  father  had 
offered  to  serve  in  his  son's  stead,  by  death  or 
penitude,  but  they  told  him — No,  the  son  must 
serve  time  for  his  own  sin. 


244  FACE   TO   FACE 

That  night  the  son  began  his  journey  to  the 
state  penitentiary.  Part  of  the  journey  had  to 
be  made  from  this  small  town  by  shay.  A  figure 
moved  in  and  out  of  the  trees  near  the  jail  where 
Jack  had  been  confined;  two  eager  eyes  never 
wavered  from  the  door  with  its  gruesome  bars. 
Presently  the  sheriff  and  Jack  passed  through. 
The  click  of  the  lock  told  the  tale  of  sorrow. 

Jack  was  not  handcuffed,  as  was  the  usual 
custom.  The  sheriff  had  said  jovially:  **He  is 
such  a  slip  of  a  boy;  if  he  is  bad,  I  will  lay  him 
across  my  knee.''  The  town  folk  laughed;  but 
deep  within  the  sheriff's  heart  was  a  grief,  kin 
to  that  of  the  father;  he  regretted  deeply  that 
he  was  the  instrument  to  take  this  boy  to  a  home 
of  living  death. 

Jack  was  a  favorite  among  the  young  people 
of  the  town;  it  was  hard  for  them  to  believe  him 
guilty;  the  sheriff's  daughter  had  her  wedding 
gown  finished,  the  day  was  set;  it  was  hard,  far 
harder  than  the  sheriff  cared  to  admit,  even  to 
himself. 

As  the  shay  rumbled  along  to  the  little  depot 
a  form  crept  close,  running  in  the  shadows  of 
the  big  poplars  along  the  road.  A  tiny  stone 
found  its  way  to  the  horses'  thighs,  they  started 
to  run. 

**WHOA,  WHOA,  THEEE  BESS,  WHAT 
YOU  TEYIN'  TO  DO?  TOM,  YOU  STOP  THAT 
PEANCIN';  be  you  losin'  your  mind?" 

The  sheriff,  taken,  off  guard,  bent  his  efforts 
trying  to  stop  the  horses;  he  did  not  see  a  hand 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  245 

laid  quickly  on  the  form  of  Jack,  hurling  him  to 
the  side  of  the  road  in  the  shadows;  nor  did  he 
see  another  form  quickly  take  his  place. 

*  ^  Are  you  all  right,  Jack  ? ' ' 

**Yes,  sir,*'  came  the  answer. 

** Wonder  what  made  'em  do  that;  see  any- 
thing, Jackr' 

**Yep,  saw  a  shadder,  sir,  while  back." 

'* That's  it,  then,  GET  EP,  BESS,  GET 
ALONG  LIVELY,  TOM,  TEAIN'S  COMINM" 

A  sprightly  form  stepped  upon  the  platform 
by  the  side  of  the  sheriff,  the  east-bound  steamed 
away;  a  face  youthful  in  its  happiness  beamed 
in  that  of  the  sheriff;  a  shaggy  head  of  black 
hair  fell  over  the  forehead  in  youthful  fashion. 
The  sheriff  was  puzzled,  but  he  laid  the  look 
of  happiness  at  the  door  of  EIGHTEOUS 
penance,  and  promptly  forgot  it.  The  work  had 
been  good;  the  wig  man  and  the  barber  had 
played  their  part  well;  Jack  was  safe. 

Years  rolled  by,  a  Trusty  stood  at  the  prison 
gate  watching  as  the  prisoners  filed  by  one  by 
one;  a  face  caught  his  eye  and  held  it  in  amaze, 
it  was  Jack! 

What  was  he  doing  here?  A  father's  heart 
sank  within  him,  a  son's  beat  wild;  a  loving 
glance  passed  between  them;  that  was  all. 

A  hand  lay  gently  on  Trusty's  shoulder. 
'*That  was  your  son,  Trusty;  he  has  come  to  pay 
the  price  that  you  may  not  suffer  the  penalty 
allotted  to  those  who  deceive  the  law — imperson- 


246  FACE    TO   FACE 

ating  another. '  *  A  shot  and  then  another,  startled 
the  birds  in  flocks,  who  were  anticipating  crumbs 
from  Trusty's  generous  hand. 

**WHAT  WAS  THAT,  SIRr^ 

^^  That— Trusty,  my  man,  was  the  PEICE; 
your  SON  HAS  PAID  THE  DEBT.  Go,  Trusty, 
be  free  in  a  world  you  have  not  known  for  many 
years;  the  Warden  will  give  you  your  clothing. *' 

Half  crazed  with  grief,  Trusty  wended  his 
way  to  the  old  home,  from  which  he  had  been 
an  exile  so  long.  AN  EXCITED  KNOCK 
returned  only  the  echoing  hollowness  of  what 
might  have  been.  WHERE  WERE  THEY, 
HIS  WIFE  AND  DAUGHTERS?  A  great  sob 
arose  in  his  soul— WHERE  WERE   THEY—! 

Seeing  through  the  growing  twilight  and  blind- 
ing tears  someone  working  near  the  fence  of 
what  had  been  his  own  treasured  garden,  he 
called:  *^ STRANGER,  DO  YOU  KNOW  WHAT 
HAS  BECOME  OF  THE  FAMILY  THAT 
LIVED  HEREr' 

^*That  house  is  empty,''  came  like  the  bursting 
asunder  of  countless  years. 

**Be  they  gone?" 

**Yes,  stranger.  The  old  lady  died  two  months 
ago,  the  daughters  have  married  and  gone  to 
another  city  to  live;  the  son  is  in  prison  for 
life;  the  old  man  disappeared  when  the  son  was 
sentenced;  nobody  KNOWS  WHAT  BECAME 
OF  HIM.  I  have  in  my  possession  a  letter  and 
a  box  that  was  entrusted  to  me  by  a  young  man. 
I  was  to  give  it  to  the  man  whom  he  described 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  ITt  247 

to  me;  as  you  answer  that  description,  I  will 
give  them  to  you.    Wait,  I  will  go  and  get  them. ' ' 

Returning  from  the  house,  he  handed  them  to 
Trusty.  **I  don't  know  who  you  are,  stranger, 
but  here  is  the  box  and  the  letter,  and  these 
were  my  instructions." 

Taking  the  box  and  letter  with  trembling 
hands.  Trusty  cunningly  ignored  the  query  as 
to  his  identity,  and  left  with  ^^MUCH  BLEGED, 
STRANGER. '' 

He  was  tired,  it  was  growing  late;  he  drew 
from  his  pocket  the  change  the  warden  had  given 
him  when  he  left  the  prison.  Looking  about  he 
saw  a  familiar  word — TAVERN — he  would  go 
there  and  rest  until  he  could  think  what  to  do. 
Tears  would  come,  and  the  world — did  not  under- 
stand. 

Paying  his  two-bits,  he  followed  the  man  to 
the  little  room  under  the  eaves.  He  could  smell 
the  honeysuckle;  it  brought  vividly  before  him 
his  Ruth;  for  it  was  here,  in  this  little  tavern, 
they  had  spent  their  honeymoon.  A  wistful 
smile  playeJ  about  the  features  of  Trusty  as 
he  bade  the  clerk  good  night. 

Trusty  forgot  he  had  had  no  dinner;  he  lay 
down  on  the  clean  white  bed;  the  honeysuckle 
would  surely  lull  him  to  sleep;  but  sleep  and  its 
blessings  refused.  He  sat  up,  leaning  on  one 
elbow,  and  lit  the  candle  by  the  little  bed,  draw- 
ing the  box  and  letter  from  under  the  pillow. 
It  was  burning  his  very  soul;  he  could  resist  it 
no  longer,  though  he  dreaded  to  open  it,  fearing 


248  FACE   TO  FACE 

its  contents.  His  eyes  fell  upon  the  familiar 
handwriting  of  Jack.  ^^He  always  could  write 
good  and  plain,''  he  murmured,  and  then: 

Hollow  Wood,  May  18. 

*^DBAE  DAD: 

The  last  letter  I  shall  ever  write  from  our  old 
Hollow  Wood  home;  but  mother  no  longer  needs 
me;  you  deserve  freedom  in  your  old  davs;  and 
I  am  going  TO  PAY  THE  PEICE. 

I  sold  the  house  and  lot  and  made  a  good 
bargain;  you  can  live  in  comfort  on  the  proceeds 
the  rest  of  your  life.  I  knew  you  would  not  care 
to  live  there  now,  and  I  also  knew  that  they 
wanted  to  buy  it.  Times  have  changed.  The 
girls  have  gone  East.  They  married  well,  and 
are  ashamed  of  us,  Dad.  They  do  not  want  us 
ever  to  come  around  them.  It  can't  be  helped; 
we  will  just  have  to  let  them  go.  Don't  grieve 
for  me.  I  am  GLAD  that  I  CAN  make  you  happy 
and  comfortable  in  your  old  days. 

It  may  be  some  comfort  to  you  to  know  that 
I  killed  Ted  in  self-defense.  We  were  good  pals, 
but  Ted  had  a  temper,  as  you  know,  and  it  hurt 
him  to  be  called  a  Redhead.  I  was  wrong  in 
teasing  him.  Out  of  just  that  ONE  thoughtless 
little  remark  we  have  all  had  to  suffer;  death, 
penitude  and  disgrace!  Strange,  isn't  it.  Dad, 
that  out  of  such  LITTLE  things  such  horrors 
sometimes  grow? 

After  you  threw  me  out  of  the  sheriff's  shay 
I  went  to  Thornton,  Ted's  brother,  and  con- 
fessed all.  He  said:     *  Never  mind.  Jack;  live 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  249 

here  with  us;  I'll  get  you  a  job/  But  I  told  him 
there  was  mother.  He  said :  *  Yes,  I  know.  Make 
up  old,  Jack,  like  her  brother  or  something,  and 
I'll  get  you  the  job  anyway.' 

He  did,  in  the  mill,  and  one  day  I  got  a 
chance  to  pay  him  back;  he  got  caught  in  the 
belt;  but  I  was  quick  and  caught  him  before  it 
turned  him  in;  and  he  was  mighty  good  to 
mother  and  me  after  that.  So  it's  all  right.  I 
made  a  good  bargain  on  the  place. 

SO  LONG,  DAD." 

A  great  sob  filled  the  little  room.  Someone 
knocked  on  the  door.     **Are  you  sick,  Sir?" 

Trusty  snuffed  the  candle  and  snored  loud  and 
long.  It  seemed  like  years  as  he  sat  there  in 
the  moonlight  looking  out  beyond  the  honey- 
suckle vine  to  the  great  BEYOND  where  his 
loved  ones  dwelt;  and  then:  ^^OH,  I  CANNOT 
STAY  HEEE!  I  WANT  NO  BED;  I  WANT 
NO  TAVERN;  I  want  God's  great  NATURE. 
I  want  the  BIRDS,  the  TREES,  the  STARS,  the 
BEASTS,  who  love  without  questioning  WHAT 
YOU  ARE,  what  you've  BEEN." 

He  turned  and  again  lit  the  candle,  took  an 
old  handkerchief,  tied  up  the  box,  threw  it  over 
his  arm  and  slipped  out  into  the  night.  Someone 
said  as  he  passed:  ^*An  early  riser,  Pard." 
**Aye,  Aye,"  murmured  Trusty,  half  consciously, 
and  disappeared  like  a  dream  through  the  night. 

Yes,  Jack  had  made  a  good  bargain.  He  would 
not  have  to  beg;  a  fortune  lay  snugly  tucked 
away  in  the  little  box ;  no  one  would  know. 


250  FACE   TO   FACE 

As  he  wandered  along  he  raised  his  eyes  to 
the  great  heavens  above  and  silently  offered  a 
prayer  that  he  might  DO  as  his  Saviour  had  done, 
— heal  the  sick,  lead  the  blind,  feed  the  hungry, 
help  those  who,  like  himself,  had  suffered. 

And  thus  we  found  him  in  various  parts  of 
the  earth,  binding  the  wounds  of  man  and  beast, 
fathering  the  young.  The  spirit  of  Christ  dwelleth 
in  the  heart  of  many  a  weary  traveller  the  world 
calls  a  tramp. 

^*I  am  just  waiting  to  be  towed  along,  standing 
on  the  brink  of — Happiness. ' ' 

JUST  WAITING 

Ah!  little  bird,  I  have  thee  now, 

I  '11  hold  thee  tight,  too,  I  vow, 

No  need  to  flutter,  I  knowest  thou. 

Thy  heart  beats  fast,  little  bird, 

By  crumbs  to  my  window  lured. 

Ah,  fluttering  thing,  'tis  I  that 's  power  now, 

Dost  think  it  not  so  safe  as  yon  hay  mow  ? 

Ah,  I  open  my  hand,  poor  fluttering  thing. 

Go  to  thy  nestlings  thy  crumbs  to  bring. 

I  am  no  monster,  seest  thou  ? 
I  would  not  harm  thee,  I  vow ! 

Go  to  thy  wee  ones  in  their  nest, 

Go,  while  I  sit  here  and  rest, 

Go,  bird,  while  I  dream  on — and  on — 

Of  days  that  might  have  been  as  thy  song. 

Nay,  when  my  loved  ones  needed  care, 

I  was  held  prisoner  over  there ; 

In  the  vulture's  treacherous  claws — 

The  unchangeable  depths  of  effect  and  cause, 

That  o  'erwhelm  man,  reason  and  laws. 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  M 

Little  bird,  on  wings  so  fleet, 
Would  I  could  thy  spirit  meet. 

Yea,  bird,  fly  home  to  thy  nest,  lest  some  pest 

Sweep  down  and  destroy  thy  nest, 

Go,  bird,  to  thy  wee  ones,  and  be  blessed. 

By  the  peaceful  winds  caressed — 

While  I  with  wounded  heart  laid  bare. 

Stand  on  the  brink  of  the  river  fair. 

Just  waiting — to  be  towed  across, 

That  I  may  find  what  I  have  lost. 

Held  by  His  merciful  hand 
In  that  glorious  heavenly  land. 

Sacrifice  slumbers  in  the  GREAT  soul.  We 
know  not  in  whom  it  may  be  slumbering,  nor  in 
whom  the  great  POWER  is  WORKING  for  the 
salvation  of  ONE  OR  MANY.  Sacrifice  does 
not  harden  the  heart,  but  GLORIFIES  love. 
Wherever  there  is  glorified  love,  there  is  the 
presence  of  God ;  there  is  the  tenderness  of  mercy, 
the  strength  of  endurance  that  is  the  reflection 
of  the  Christ  life.  As  earthly  blessings  are  tem- 
poral, what  matters  it  whether  the  reward  be 
now  or  then? 

So  many  have  said,  still  say,  I  had  rather 
take  my  chances  here.  This  is  one  thing  over 
which  man  has  no  control.  God  holds  in  His 
hand  the  chance ;  there  is  nothing  to  fear.  *  *  GOD 
IS  LOVE."  It  shows  a  good  bit  of  COWARD- 
ICE for  man  to  say  I  had  rather  take  my 
chances  here.  A  poor  soldier,  indeed,  that  stands 
on  what  he  thinks  the  safe  side,  taking  his 
chances  there,  while  his  brothers  move  on  IN 


252  FACE    TO   FACE 

GEEATER  FAITH  IN  HIM  WHO  WATCHES, 

quickening  the  power  within,  taking  their 
chances  AS  MEN.  It  stands  to  reason  that  those 
who  say  I  had  rather  take  my  chance  here,  FEEL 
they  have  not  fulfilled  the  law. 

The  LITTLE  self  is  not  a  good  principle 
through  which  to  work,  nor  a  competent  judge  of 
good.  As  it  is  electro-negative  it  comes  in  con- 
tact with  the  chemical  substance  of  evil,  or  the 
substance  of  obsession,  evil  spirits,  devils.  To 
become  electro-positive — ^having  the  properties  of 
becoming  positive — electrified  by  contact  with 
pure  spirit,  man  is  enabled  to  assist  his  greater 
nature  to  develop  perfection  in  truth ;  hence  good 
and  evil,  God  and  devil. 

The  scientific  truths  in  the  Bible  prove  again 
and  again  the  fact  that  electricity  is  directly  con- 
nected with  Divinity.  It  is  the  REFINEMENT 
with  which  man  MEETS  the  spirit  of  purpose  in 
the  Bible  that  enables  him  to  PENETRATE  the 
truth  in  the  HIGHEST  SENSE  of  HARMONY 
and  sweetness  that  can  be  FULLY  REACHED 
in  DIVINE  UNDERSTANDING.  Thus  we 
become  attuned,  as  breeze  meeting  breeze,  as  song 
meeting  song,  as  harmony  meets  harmony,  as 
sweetness  meets  sweetness.  We  CANNOT  obtain 
the  whole  truth  unless  we  DO  refine  our  senses  to 
meet  the  sublimity  that  goes  beyond  material 
sense. 

Spirit  and  truth  embrace  ALL,  the  substance, 
the  body  and  the  blood.  We  have  too  long  sought 
truth  without  cultivating  spirit.  Spirit  is  the 
truth  in  all  things.     There  is  a  lot  more  in  the 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT  IS  IT?  258 

Bible  than  man  has  ever  gotten  out  of  it  as  yet. 
The  time  is  coming  when  the  FEUITS  of  the 
Bible  will  be  harvested ;  and  then,  what  HAPPY 
HARVESTEES !  How  well  man  will  sleep,  rest- 
ing from  the  hot  sun  of  material  labor,  inhaling 
the  fragrance  of  the  bountiful,  resting  in  the 
shadow  of  His  wings. 

The  morning  dawneth;  wait,  watch,  hope  and 
pray.  And  this  is  the  refinement  of  soul  vibra- 
tions in  which  worketh  the  power  of  the  celestial, 
enabling  soul  in  man  to  feel  a  like  vibration 
springing  towards  him  from  the  soul  of  things,  in 
which  happiness  abounds. 

INGERSOLL:  **Keep  the  devil  out  of 
children. ' ' 

HAPPINESS  IN  THE  HEART  OF  A  CHILD 

LOTUS:  Too  much  stress  cannot  be  placed 
upon  the  WAY  of  truth  in  teaching  children  right 
and  wrong.  If  the  child  has  ideals,  they  are  but 
the  truth  within  struggling  for  expression.  Help 
the  child  to  express  them;  help  the  child  to 
ENNOBLE,  EXALT  these  ideals,  refining  them 
in  PURE  conscience.  Quiet  reserve  does  not  al- 
ways mean  refinement;  it  sometimes  covers  a 
secret  motive,  caressing  as  a  cat's  paw,  as  hissing 
as  a  serpent  trapped  unawares.  TRUE  refine- 
ment is  that  of  PURE  spirit ;  the  Divine  express- 
ing in  man.  In  the  Divine  is  harmony;  when 
harmony  is  permitted  to  express  itself  in  the  full- 
est sense,  there  can  be  no  discord  in  actions  or 
in  motives,  for  like  an  attuned  instrument,  it 
waits  for  the  hand  that  sends  it  into  expression. 


254  FACE   TO   FACE 

The  Divine  hand  is  the  hand  that  sends  the  music 
through  the  soul  of  one  into  another,  finding  an 
harmonious  response  in  those  who  are  alike  at- 
tuned. The  Divine  expressing  in  man  knows  no 
affectedness ;  on  the  contrary,  it  is  NATURAL 
simplicity,  NATURAL  sweetness.  The  hand  that 
grasps  ours  with  whole-hearted  honesty,  is  the 
hand  we  may  trust.  The  hand  that  lies  passive 
in  our  own,  is  the  hand  that  FEARS  THE 
POWER  of  others.  True  refinement  is  WHOLE- 
HEARTED LOYALTY  EXPRESSED  IN  THE 
BEAUTY  OF  SPIRIT,  WHICH  IS  MUSIC  OF 
THE  SOUL. 

I  am  happy  when  I  meet  a  friend  face  to  face. 
I  am  happy  when,  like  finest  lace,  his  PURPOSE 
blends  with  the  Divine.  I  am  happy  when  he 
takes  my  hand,  for  in  it  is  a  quiet  command  for 
that  that's  in  mine  own.  I  am  happy  when  I  see 
unaffected  loyalty.  I  am  happy  when  I  see  tender 
grace  that  breathes  of  spirit,  unaffected  royalty. 
I  am  happy  when  I  see  God  SHINING- 
THROUGH  A  SOUL  unsullied  by  unreality. 

Ideals  are  a  current  of  Divine  wisdom  enlight- 
ening a  darkened  mind,  or  a  developing  mind, 
creating  spiritual  light.  Children  are  all,  or 
nearly  all,  taught,  directly  or  indirectly,  to  fear 
the  consequences  of  evil.  That  is  not  the  point. 
Children  should  be  taught  there  IS  NOTHING 
TO  FEAR  WHEN  GOD  IS  PRESENT;  and  to 
strive  in  PURE  SPIRIT  to  overcome  evil  with 
good.  A  child  should  never  be  taught  to  fear, 
but  to  hold  calm  uprightness  of  heart.    There  is 


HAPPINESS:    WHAT   IS   IT?  255 

no  need  to  fear  when  we  are  living  in  pure  con- 
science. This  should  be  explained  to  them,  exem- 
plified to  them,  in  every  way  possible.  I  had 
rather  teach  a  child  the  beauty  of  life  than  to 
fear  life.  The  beauty  of  life  lies  in  the  expres- 
sion of  PURE  CONSCIENCE.  Fear  is  a  won- 
derfully chaotic  power. 

Old  Tom  says:  **You  all  jes'  say  de  debil  am 
in  me  today,  and  suah  enough  de  debil  am  theah : 
but  you  all  say,  *  Debil,  you  all  jes'  go  on  behin' 
me,'  and  he's  boun'  to  'spect  you  all  fo'  knowin' 
he's  'roun'  and  won't  hab  nothin'  to  do  wid  him. 
He  ain't  gwine  take  possession  of  me;  NO  SAH! 
He  ain't  gwine  to  move  in  an'  tell  me  to  move 
out,  NO  SAH!  Dis  habitation  am  foh  God  an' 
nobody  else!" 

This  is  the  logic  of  Ole  Vir-gin-ie,  and  it  might 
grace  a  throne. 

In  happy  hearts  there  is  a  continual  singing,  a 
continual  philosophy,  defining  Happiness. 


CHAPTER  V 

NATURE  AND  THE  SOUL 

NATURE  in  man  cries  out  for  the  BEST  IN 
MAN ;  it  invariably  sends  forth  the  sweet  strains 
that  NATURE  HOLDS  within  its  sacred  realms. 
In  some  sweet  way  it  finds  its  OWN,  and  express- 
es through  the  SOUL  OF  MAN  the  highest  degree 
of  supreme  excellence  IN  MAN. 

Error  or  ignorance  may,  for  a  time,  close  the 
portals  to  harmony  of  the  soul,  the  VERY  LIFE 
of  supremacy,  but  it  will  eventually  find  expres- 
sion, an  outlet  through  which  to  work.  This  in- 
variably comes  through  the  Divine  vocation  of 
SOUL  IN  THINGS.  There  is  an  ever  beckoning 
call  from  the  SOUL  OF  NATURE  to  the  soul  of 
man.  The  response  comes  when  man  begins  to 
long  for  the  BETTER  side  of  life,  the  GREAT 
side,  where  the  supreme  spirit  dwells  ABOVE  the 
storms  of  agitation  in  serene  and  tranquil  spirit ; 
the  life  that  leads  through  optimism  into  fields 
of  affluence  and  luxuriance ;  the  life  that  does  not 
live  for  SELF  ALONE,  but  for  the  edifying  of 
mankind. 

It  is  a  great  part  of  human  nature  to  long  for 
recognition  when  we  accomplish  something  we 
deem  worthy  of  our  BEST  efforts.  It  is  only  just 
attribute ;  and  yet,  the  ATTUNED  heart  sings  on 
if  it  finds  NO  response  from  the  world,  for  it 
KNOWS  that  in  the  realms  of  the  REAL,  where 


NATURE   AND    THE   SOUL  257 

angels  dwell,  it  WILL  be  recognized  and  valued 
accordingly.  This  is  the  expression  of  legitimate 
nature  in  man,  the  KNOWING,  the  LIVING,  as 
the  lilies  of  the  field,  in  natural  worthiness,  the 
VEEY  archetype  or  prototype  of  DIVINE 
EXAMPLE. 

There  is  nothing  to  fear  from  the  world;  man 
is  bound  to  glean  something  from  a  life  so  lived, 
whether  the  world  recognizes  his  efforts  or  not. 
It  is  what  WE  get  out  of  things  that  counts,  what 
we  are  able  to  understand  and  apply  to  our  use, 
and  the  use  of  others,  spiritually  and  materially. 
It  is  indeed  more  than  passingly  strange  what 
LITTLE  THINGS  turn  the  tide  in  lives,  both 
great  and  small.  The  silent  though  potent  call  of 
the  Divine  finds  response  in  the  heart,  soul  and 
mind  of  man  when  it  is  enabled  to  penetrate  the 
FEELINGS  OF  MAN,  and  this  is  more  often 
found  in  the  little  EVERY  DAY  things  that 
appeal  to  the  comfort  and  welfare  of  man ;  things 
we  call  necessities,  pleasures,  and  things  that 
compel  us  to  ask  WHY  they  must  exist.  To  bring 
forth  a  query  in  mind  of  things  we  cannot  account 
for,  is  to  call  attention  to  God.  When  man  is 
puzzled  he  invariably  asks  WHY!  This  appeal 
turns  towards  expression,  and  eventually  some 
elevated  moral  development,  which  is  included  in 
self  education,  in  the  fullest  and  noblest  sense. 
The  heart  attuned  grasps  the  PUEPOSE,  and 
no  longer  asks  WHY,  but  turns  to  the  great 
PRINCIPLE,  LIFE.  He  walks  to  a  near-by  tree, 
mighty  in  its  power  of  growth;  what  kind  of 
life?    He  murmurs:    AH,  IT  IS  DIVINE  LIFE, 


258  FACE    TO   FACE 

a  SUPEEME  FOECE,  regenerate  life.  He  ex- 
claims in  wonderment;  this  great  LIVING 
TEUTH  expressing  in  such  natural  simplicity 
from  the  Godhead,  WHY  THAT  IS  DIVINE 
LIFE,  and  it  is  PEESONAL  because  it  is  sancti- 
fied to  ONE  PUEPOSE.  Divine  life  IS  personal, 
because  it  expresses  in  each  INDIVIDUAL 
THING  and  PEESON,  according  to  the  needs  of 
the  person  or  thing.  Thus  we  see  Divine  power, 
life,  is  both  UNIVEESAL  AND  PEESONAL, 
because  it  is  the  SUBSTANCE  OF  ALL,  IN 
ALL,  and  because  it  quickens  each  individual  or 
thing  that  harmonizes  with  its  CEEATIVE, 
CONSTEUCTIVE,  QUICKENING  POWEE.  It 
is  the  SUBSTANCE  OF  LIFE;  it  is  electro- 
magnetic FOECE  that  calls  forth  a  responding 
expression  in  things  animate.  It  is  personal, 
it  is  universal,  is  Divine,  hence  it  embraces  all.  **I 
in  you  and  you  in  Me."  And  thus  our  purpose 
is  sanctified  by  seeking  the  SOUECE  of  the  ideal. 
Intent  is  made  more  profound  by  the  enlivening, 
quickening  power  that  comes  when  honest  purpose 
is  the  center  of  motive. 

I  never  look  within  the  heart  of  one  of  the  little 
flower  immortelles  without  harking  back  to  the 
time  when  in  Lourdes  there  existed  a  prince  who 
sought  the  counsel  of  many  wise  men  in  the  hope 
of  finding  some  method  by  which  he  might  exalt 
his  name.  Discouraged  with  the  outcome,  he 
wended  his  way  through  the  grotto,  past  the 
shrine  of  OUE  LADY  OF  LOUEDES,  to  his  own 
little  garden  where  he  wandered  carelessly  swing- 
ing his  walking  stick  from  side  to  side,  tearing 


NATURE   AND    THE    SOUL  259 

from  the  mother  plants  many  beautiful  blossoms. 
Weary  of  people  and  the  world  at  large,  he  sat 
down  upon  a  bench  near  which  grew  a  Lotus  tree. 
*^Ah,  tree;  they  say  those  who  eat  of  thy  fruit 
wander  in  lands  of  dreamy  f orgetf ulness. ' '  So 
saying,  he  reached  forward  to  obtain  one  of  the 
fruit  that  he  too  might  wander  in  strange 
lands,  when  he  beheld,  lying  near  his  feet,  a 
little  immortelle  he  had  so  ruthlessly  struck 
from  the  mother  plant,  seemingly  mocking  his 
weakness,  so  bright,  so  full  of  life  did  it  seem 
to  be,  while  other  blossoms  lay  near  bruised 
and  apparently  dying.  Time  had  lost  all 
interest  for  the  prince,  but  the  flower — the 
flower  had  not.  Long  he  sat  dreaming,  long  he 
marveled;  as  though  charmed,  he  drew  it  lov- 
ingly to  him,  and  then  crossed  the  path  to  the 
side  of  the  gardener,  who  had  been  working 
near  by. 

^^  Gardener,  WHAT  IS  this  flower  T' 

**That,''  said  the  gardener,  *4s  the  prince  of 
flowers.  It  lives  many  moons  without  losing  its 
beauty,  form  or  coloring.'' 

*^WHY  SOf  cried  the  astonished  prince. 

**That,  your  Highness,  I  cannot  answer;  it 
takes  older  heads  than  mine  to  answer.  But 
perhaps  the  old  mother  can  answer  thee.'' 

The  prince  followed  the  gardener  to  the 
little  cottage  where  he  and  his  old  mother  had 
lived  since  he  could  remember.  Seeing  the 
approach  of  the  prince,  the  old  dame  attempted 
to  rise,  but  the  prince  gently  placed  her  back 
'>n  her  seat. 


260  FACE    TO   FACE 

**I  have  come  to  ask  favors,  not  to  seek 
salaams,  madame.  Pray  tell,  WHAT  IS  this 
flower  r' 

**That,''  said  the  old  dame,  *4s  an  immor- 
telle, as  golden  as  your  heart's  fondest  hope.'' 

**And  to  think,"  said  the  prince,  **it  cared 
not  one  whit  that  I  had  so  ruthlessly  abused 
it!" 

^^Aye,"  sighed  the  old  dame,  **be  seated,  and 
I  will  tell  to  thee  the  legend  of  the  immor- 
telles." 

*^  Thank  thee.  Long  hast  thou  served  me,  old 
dame;  I  knowest  well  thou  wilt  not  fail  me 
now. ' ' 

**Aye,  prince;  many  years  ago  I  trotted  thee 
on  my  knee  and  told  thee  stories  of  yester- 
years. 

*  *  Once  upon  a  time  there  lived  a  nobleman  who 
came  from  Ma'metz,  was  introduced  to,  and 
fell  in  love  with  a  beautiful  princess.  But  when 
he  sought  her  hand  in  wedlock  she  cried  out  unto 
him:  *When  thou  canst  fetch  me  a  flower  that 
THOU  HAST  CULTIVATED  WITH  THINE 
OWN  HAND,  one  that  will  live  for  many  moons 
after  it  has  been  plucked  from  the  mother  plant, 
I  will  give  thee  my  hand  in  wedlock. ' 

**  *But,'  cried  the  lover,  *such  a  plant  could  not 
be.' 

**  *Thou  hast  my  answer,'  cried  the  princess; 
'GO.' 

**The  lover  wended  his  way  to  the  Lodge, 
where  he  lay  down  upon  the  green.     *I  will  lie 


NATURE   AND   THE    SOUL  261 

here,'  cried  he,  *and  look  at  the  moon,  the  stars, 
that  watch  between  my  love  and  me/  A  fairy 
touched  him  with  her  wand:  *What  sayest 
thou,  wan  lover?'  *I  said  the  moon,  the  stars, 
would  watch  between  my  love  and  me,'  sighed 
the  lover.  *NOT  SO,'  cried  the  fairy;  ^et  Miz- 
pah  be  thy  watchword,  thy  star  by  night,  thy 
moon,  and  thou  wilt  soon  find  that  thou  seekest.' 
*Aye,'  groaned  the  lover,  *it  does  not  exist,  un- 
less, perchance  in  some  strange  land.  Ah, 
little  fairy,  I  will  away.  Au  plaisir  de  vous 
revoir.'  *N'  importe,'  sighed  the  fairy,  and 
was  lost  in  the  shadows  of  night.  With  the 
dawn  the  lover  awoke,  placed  his  pack  upon  his 
back  and  journeyed  to  America.  After  a  year 
he  stood  at  the  entrance  to  MALVERN  HILL. 

*'  'Halt!  Who  goes  there?' 

*  *  Quiveringly  the  lover  told  the  guard  his  tale 
of  love. 

**  *It  must  be  the  immortelle  you  seek, 
stranger;  wait.'  Calling  a  near-by  private,  he 
ordered  him  to  bring  to  the  now  wondering 
lover  a  sprig  of  the  little  immortelles  that  grew 
near.  The  private  returned,  bearing  root, 
branch,  blossom  and  all.  *Take  it,'  cried  he, 
*and  may  the  Lord  watch  between  thee  and 
me.' 

**  *HALT!  Who  goes  there?'  rang  in  the  still- 
ness as  though  no  heart  throbs  had  told  tales  of 
love. 

**  *Me,'  answered  the  lover, — *Me.' 

* '  *  ME — me !    Little  you  know  of  the  ways  OF 


262  PACE   TO   FACE 

OUR  GREAT  AMERICA.  Begone,  I  say.  Me 
—Me,  0,  HA  HA!' 

**  Bewildered,  little  understanding  the  duty  of 
guards,  or  the  pathos  that  hides  the  heart  of 
sympathy,  the  lover  again  wended  his  way  to 
the  sea,  where  he  and  the  little  immortelle 
found  passage  in  the  steerage.  A  few  weeks 
later  he  knelt  at  the  feet  of  his  love,  holding 
before  her  the  little  immortelle. 

*^  'And  didst  thou  cultivate  it?'  asked  the 
princess.  ^Nay,  but  I  sought  it  in  strange 
lands,  having  to  sail  home  to  thee  in  a  steerage, 
so  late  was  I  in  obtaining  passage.' 

**  *Pooh!'  cried  the  princess;  'Look  thou  here'; 
and  she  threw  wide  the  gate  to  her  own  little 
garden  in  which  grew  hundreds  of  little  immor- 
telles. 'Thou  didst  seek  afar  for  that  which  my 
own  had  tended,  and  lay  upon  my  heart.  Thou 
art  a  fool,  man;  away,  I  will  have  none  of 
thee!' 

"The  lover  drew  the  saber  from  his  belt  and 
thrust  it  through  his  heart,  crying  the  while 
'Dieu  vous  garde.'  But  the  Princess  had  fled  to 
her  own  little  garden,  where  she  died  of  a  broken 
heart. 

"The  flower  thou  boldest,  your  Highness,  is 
the  reflection  of  jealousy.  Pardon  an  old 
woman,  prince,  but  thou  art  restless.  Seek  not 
afar  off  for  peace  and  honor;  it  lieth  here,  in 
thy  OWN  LOURDES." 

In  Lourdes  there  LIVES  a  prince  who  works 
out    his    ideals    for   the    welfare    of   those    who 


NATURE   AND    THE    SOUL  263 

kindle  their  fires  with  the  fagot  of  impatience. 
Over  the  gate  of  the  palace  there  is  engraved : 
^^EnDIEUesttouf 

It  matters  not  through  what  channels 
NATURE  beckons  to  the  SOUL  of  man,  it  is 
the  redeeming  factor  in  which  His  Likeness  and 
Image  is  magnified.  God's  ways  reach  us 
through  LITTLE  THINGS  to  configurate 
greater.  The  child  in  the  crib,  noting  the  up- 
rightness in  nature,  longs  to  walk  erect  also. 
This  yearning  soon  finds  expression;  the  whole 
soul  cries  out  GO  AND  DO  LIKEWISE,  and 
behold  it  is  done. 

The  sweetest  song  ever  sung  is  voiced  by  the 
invisible  force  IN  NATURE.  The  celestial 
choir  sends  its  sweet  strains  through  the  light- 
ning strokes  to  the  little  cricket,  who  carries 
its  fiddle  on  its  hind  legs,  rejoicing  when  loved, 
playing  harder  when  appreciated.  It  fiddles 
away,  never  seeming  to  grow  weary,  while  in- 
sects dance,  and  man — entranced  by  the 
romance — seeks  his  mate. 

Our  lives  are  much  as  the  waves  of  the  sea. 
Flowing  through  them  is  song,  beauty,  har- 
mony, love  and  poetry.  These  come  close,  lick- 
ing our  feet,  and  retreat  again  into  the  night, 
only  to  return  once  more  with  the  dawn  of  each 
new  day,  in  great  billows  of  little  opportunities 
that  make  transactions  possible,  through  which 
man  and  the  world  are  united  in  the  great  bond 
of  NATURAL  PRODUCTION.  When  we  learn 
to  grade  the  soul  in  the  school  of  effort,  when  we 
learn   the   VALUE    of   understanding   the   NA- 


264  FACE   TO   FACE 

TUBE  that  harbors  the  soul,  a  certain  dull  grind 
will  be  obliterated,  and  the  harmony  that  is  the 
keynote  in  nature  will  find  quick  response  in 
the  lives  of  men.  Then  will  the  world  be  a 
HOME  of  culture  that  will  infuse  itself  in  the 
NATURE  OF  THINGS  and  enliven  them  with 
greater  power  of  beauty  and  worth. 

When  true  beauty  is  expressed  around  us, 
it  creates  a  desire  to  be  like  unto  it,  and  thus 
we  lessen  vibrations  that  grate  and  fill  the 
soul  with  contentment  and  better  judgment, 
and  INDIVIDUALLY  CEEATE  OR  BUILD 
GREATER  DESTINIES. 

There  never  has  been  enough  cooperation 
between  instructor  and  parents  in  the  lives  of 
our  little  ones  to  BRING  ABOUT  the  GRAND 
RESULTS  OF  NATURE  AND  SOUL.  We 
begin  in  the  home  and  end  in  the  home,  we 
might  say,  but  there  is  always  the  gentle  in- 
fusion of  OUTSIDE  CONDITIONS  that  take 
GREAT  PART  in  our  lives  and  education,  that 
may  be  made  great  opportunities,  or  vice  versa. 
If  we  will  but  learn  to  meet  the  infusion  of 
outside  influences,  and  teach  our  children  how 
to  meet  them,  we  will  greatly  lessen  the 
DANGERS  of  influences.  The  quiet  demand 
for  right  and  justice  is  only  nature  asserting 
itself  in  the  power  of  recognition.  There  is  a 
certain  light  that  shineth  forth  from  the  soul 
of  the  spiritual  man  that  DEFIES  CHAOTIC 
CONDITIONS.  Therein  lieth  the  SUPREME 
FAITH  that  cannot  be  mown  down  bv  the 
HARDNESS   OF   THE    BUSINESS   WORLD. 


NATURE   AND   THE   SOUL  265 

PUEE  conscience  is  bound  to  bring  returns 
that  are  satisfying.  There  is  little  need  of 
compulsion  when  the  MOTIVE  EINGS  TEUE. 

The  little  dramas  that  play  themselves  into 
the  affairs  and  lives  of  men  with  such  disap- 
pointing and  confusing  effect,  would  be 
greatly  lessened  were  man  to  admit  the  Divine 
supply  of  higher  vibrations,  thus  obliterating 
the  **  stronghold ' '  that  things  of  a  chaotic 
nature  have.  To  let  the  mercy  of  God  demon- 
strate its  Divine  invisible  FOECE  OF  LOVE 
that  holds  through  ALL,  into  our  affairs  and 
being,  is  to  bring  into  our  lives  the  GEEAT- 
EST  POWEE  OF  EFFICIENCY.  This 
deathless  love  and  Divine  power  rejuvenates 
the  intelligence  of  man  and  reinstates  the 
spirit  with  HIGHEE  forces;  opening  the  door 
to  all  that  is  GOOD  FOE  MAN;  thus  he  opens 
the  portals  of  his  heart  to  the  EEAL. 

There  is  limitless  power  in  the  real,  limit- 
less understanding  of  the  real,  which  embraces 
nature  and  the  soul.  When  the  real  is  sought 
in  ALL  THINGS,  there  is  unbounded  joy  in 
the  realization  that  it  ever  has  taken  the 
greater  part  in  our  lives,  having  actual  exist- 
ence in  the  things  nearest  to  us;  the  trees,  the 
flowers,  the  birds;  in  everything,  in  fact,  that 
is  in  our  lives  from  the  beginning  unto  the 
end.  The  thing  is  to  FIND  it;  to  appreciate 
it  when  found,  and  apply  the  truth  in  it  to  the 
principles  by  which  we  live. 

Things  animate  and  inanimate  are  but  the 
substance  of  the  real.     Spirit  is  present  in  all 


266  FACE    TO   FACE 

things,  visible  and  invisible.  Would  we  find 
and  apply  the  beauties  of  life  IN  life,  mankind 
would  grow  in  spiritual  triumph.  When  the 
sensitive  side  in  nature  meets  the  impression- 
able mind  of  man,  there  is  a  quickening,  an 
understanding  OF  nature,  and  the  real  in 
nature,  in  which  the  notes  of  soul  are  sung  in 
harmony  with  the  Spirit  that  moved  upon  the 
face  of  the  water. 

It  is  a  wee  bit  of  heaven  to  realize  the  work- 
ing power  of  spirit  and  its  potent  efficiency  TO 
penetrate  substance.  To  adhere  strictly  IN 
OBEDIENCE  to  the  CALL  of  HIGHEE 
INTELLIGENCE  waylays  the  dramatic  sug- 
gestion of  material  minds  and  makes  the  way 
clear.  It  is  a  certainty  that  when  we  seek  the 
right  source  (God)  we  can  have  no  idle  dreams, 
but  reality — ^the  direct  result  of  nature's 
dreams— ^*  THE  IDEAL  MADE  EEAL.''  Idle 
dreams  are  blasting  in  their  effect;  they  throw 
upon  the  surface  things  they  do  not  create,  and 
obliterate  the  otherwise  perfect  dreams,  dreams 
that  are  a  well-spring  of  GOOD  EESULTS.  We 
ought  to  be  just  as  careful  HOW  we  dream  as  we 
are  how  we  live. 

To  dream  the  real  is  to  build  ideals;  to  live 
in  spirit,  or  to  hold  before  us  the  beautiful,  is 
to  enliven  ideals  that  finally  materialize.  We 
must  be  careful  HOW  we  materialize,  and  WHAT 
we  materialize,  or  we  may  be  greatly  surprised 
at  the  results.  Build  not  idols  and  worship  them, 
but  live  in  the  spirit  of  truth;  BUILD  dreams 
and  let  them  come  forth  to  glorify  HIS  NAME, 


NATURE   AND   THE   SOUL  267 

thy  life,  and  the  lives  of  those  who  seek  wisdom 
at  thy  hand.  ^*Let  the  heavens  be  glad,  and  let 
the  earth  rejoice;  and  let  men  say  among  the 
nations,  the  LORD  REIGNETH.  Let  the  SEA 
ROAR,  and  the  fullness  thereof;  let  the 
fields  rejoice  and  all  that  IS  therein.  Then 
shall  the  trees  of  the  wood  sing  out  at  the 
presence  of  the  Lord,  for  He  cometh  to  judge 
the  earth.  0,  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for 
He  is  good;  for  His  mercy  ENDURETH  for- 
ever.*' 

When  we  gather  wheat  we  fill  our  bins  with 
the  substance  of  life;  therein  is  found  the  sweet 
spirit  of  truth.  Living  in  sweet  accord  with  the 
substance  of  all  fills  every  need.  We  learn  to 
look  at  shallow  things  just  as  we  look  within 
the  depth  of  the  low  but  clear  little  brook.  Just 
beneath  the  surface  of  the  shallow  waters  is 
the  working  principles  of  LIFE.  We  see  the 
little  tadpole  that  by  and  by  becomes  a  frog, 
which  we  learn  to  look  for  and  listen  to  with 
so  much  pleasure.  We  cannot  see  the  workings 
of  animated  existence  calling  forth  the  new  life, 
or  rather  new  form  of  expression  in  life,  but 
experience,  time,  science  and  observation  have 
taught  us  it  IS  there,  and  we  are  glad.  We  can- 
not see  the  germ  in  the  egg,  but  we  know  it  is 
there,  and  we  look  beyond  to  the  little  yellow 
chick  running  about  so  happily  in  response  to 
the  mother  hen's  cluck,  cluck.  We  look  beyond 
THESE  and  see  the  wonderful  unity  of  nature 
and  soul,  see  the  chemical  change  called  death, 
and  we  know  there  is  no   death,   but  resurrec- 


268  FACE   TO   FACE 

tion.  NATURE  AND  SOUL,  0,  YOU 
WONDER  WORKERS,  in  which  abound  the 
substance  of  the  real,  the  boundless  JOY  OF 
ATTUNEMENT. 

Think  you  it  strange  God  said,  '^GO  TO 
THE  ANT,  THOU  SLUGGARD,  AND  CON- 
SIDER HER  WAYS''?  Or  that  He  called 
ants  LITTLE  PEOPLE!  These  *4ittle 
people''  build  cities;  they  take  into  them  the 
necessities  nature  and  habit  require.  The  differ- 
ence in  size,  coloring  and  custom  is  about  the 
same  as  that  of  the  various  nationalities  of  the 
human  race.  First:  we  have  the  little  Indian 
ant  that  lives  in  the  woods,  builds  its  tepee 
among  the  leaves  and  bark  of  old  stumps, 
gathering  together  the  dry  wild-flowers  that 
grow  in  such  profusion  among  the  pine-trees. 
To  dream  here  among  these,  is  to  recall  the 
REAL — nature  and  the  soul.  And  these  are 
beautiful  dreams,  in  tune  with  the  HARMONY 
OF  GOD'S  PURPOSE.  Not  idle  dreams,  theo- 
retical or  imaginary,  but  the  genuine  concrete 
dreams  in  which  spirit  seeking  spirit  finds  the 
truth,  the  understanding,  of  which  God  spake: 
^^GET  WISDOM,  GET  UNDERSTANDING, 
and  SEEK  YE  THE  KINGDOM  FIRST  and  all 
things  shall  be  added  unto  you."  His  kingdom 
is  so  full  of  wonders,  so  enlivened  with  possibili- 
ties, so  quickened  with  truth,  with  life,  that  were 
we  to  seek  all  our  days  we  would  not  find  the  end 
thereof.  But  the  SUPPLY  is  given  in  these 
words:  ^^ALL  THINGS  NEEDFUL  shall  be 
added  unto  you." 


NATURE   AND   THE    SOUL  269 

Then  we  have  the  little  red  ant,  the  true 
Americans,  who  are  sticklers  for  caste,  and 
very  refined  among  their  people.  The  little 
loves  are  coy,  hard  to  please,  hard  to  win,  and 
socially  inclined;  while  the  lovers  are  mnch 
as  the  Knights  of  old,  gallant,  persevering 
and  determined.  Then,  we  have  our  little 
tramps,  who  live  on  the  grubbage  of  bees' 
nests.  The  little  foreigners  that  **come  over*' 
in  sacks  and  boxes  are  not  in  love  with 
America,  and  do  not  live  long.  The  little 
Mexican  ants  do  most  of  their  work  at 
night. 

As  a  whole,  they  are  a  most  interesting  lot 
of  ** little  people,"  well  worth  considering  in 
our  world  of  dreams,  for  in  them  is  a  certain 
kinship  attuned  to  the  Divine  whole.  It  cannot 
help  but  make  us  very  happy  to  know  and  see 
the  working  principles  of  Divine  will  in  all 
God's  creatures.  In  it  we  see  so  much  that 
points  to  something  BEYOND  nature  that  ex- 
presses IN  nature — controls  nature. 

We  are,  after  all,  much  as  a  sheaf  of  wheat 
reposing  in  the  quiet  beauty  of  nature,  waiting 
for  the  thrasher,  not  realizing  to  what  great 
destiny  our  soul  is  intended.  Nor  can  we 
bring  ourselves  to  perfection  until  we  submit 
to  the  thrasher  of  greater  destinies — the 
SUBLIME  SPIRITUAL  FORCE  that  sepa- 
rates  the  wheat  from  the  chaff.  It  is  a  time  of 
up-to-date  miracles.  The  power  that  produces 
miracles  is  continually  working  in  and  through 
our  affairs,  our  body,  soul  and  mind.     It  is  a 


270  FACE   TO   FACE 

part  of  the  Divine  whole,  in  which  we  are  par- 
takers in  no  small  way.  We  must  have  more 
faith  in  the  power  of  the  spoken  word,  if  we 
ever  hope  to  materialize  pleasing  conditions, 
and  trustworthy  things  of  import.  We  must 
have  more  faith  if  we  ever  hope  to  reach  the 
perfection  of  the  Divine  ideal,  the  possibilities 
of  mind  over  matter;  or  until  we  fully  accept 
the  fact  that  electricity  IS  directly  connected 
with  Divinity. 

Why  not?  Electricity  is  the  penetrating 
FORCE  flowing  freely  from  the  DIVINE  with 
its  magnetic  thermal  chemical  effects.  It  is  the 
agency  in  which  is  the  phenomena  of  life,  hence 
retires  into  Divine  Science — Evolution.  When 
we  DO  fully  understand,  and  have  more  faith 
in  the  power  of  spirit,  avenues  will  be  opened 
through  which  man  may  wander  in  the  ways  of 
God,  in  greater  and  lesser  intelligences,  in  the 
power  of  things,  in  nature  and  the  soul,  and 
fathom  the  possibilities  of  them  and  IN  them. 

To  materialize  an  ACTIVE  REALITY  in 
any  hoped-for  thing  or  expression  of  life,  is 
to  QUIETLY  affirm  HIS  POWER  IN  ALL 
THINGS.  We  thus  admit  the  spirit  of  truth  to 
dwell  within  us  richly.  This  is  none  other  than 
reaching  the  Divine  source  where  God  is  our 
supply  and  the  power  to  work  through  that 
supply.  There  are  those  who  rebel  against  the 
light ;  they  do  not  know  the  WAYS 
THEREOF.  '^For  the  way  of  the  Lord  is 
RIGHT  and  all  His  works  are  done  IN 
TRUTH,'' 


NATURE    AND    THE    SOUL  271 

We  find  in  the  law  of  electricity  as  directly 
connected  with  Divinity,  another  law — that  of 
Vibrations.  These  have  taken,  and  do  take,  a 
great  part  in  our  lives.  Take  for  example,  the 
DIAL  OF  AHAZ.  Much  that  enables  man  to 
attract  enough  Divine  substance  to  himself  in 
spiritual  truth,  while  passing  through  this 
expression  of  life,  lies  in  the  simple  little  fact 
VIBRATIONS,  in  which  the  great  principle 
*^I  DO  BELIEVE'^  resounds.  These  words 
coming  from  the  soul  FILLED  WITH  LIGHT 
open  the  door  to  healing,  quickening  forces  in 
nature.  The  inharmonious  discord  that  rules 
the  world  today  is  ONE  of  the  results  of  intem- 
perate temperament.  It  vanquishes  the  good, 
hence  man  cries  for  the  veil  to  be  lifted;  yet 
we  cannot  speak  of  the  SUPREMACY  of 
knowledge,  until  we  have  first  sought  the 
SOURCE  of  supreme  and  practical  under- 
standing. 

Again,  let  us  note  that  electricity  is  directly 
connected  with  Divinity  and  its  POSSIBILI- 
TIES LIMITLESS.  Electricity  is  a  means  of 
communication  that  enables  us  to  fathom  the 
depths  of  understanding,  getting  close  to  the 
soul  of  things,  the  soul  of  man,  the  soul  of 
the  world.  Electricity  exhibits  magnetic  and 
thermal  effects,  is  active,  spirited,  the  DYNAMO 
BETWEEN  MORTAL  AND  DIVINE,  SOUL 
AND  NATURE.  It  is  a  play  between  electric 
positive  and  magnetic  negative.  As  science 
claims  that  matter  exists  in  space,  it  is  easy  to 
recognize  the  power   of  spirit  working  in  and 


272  FACE   TO   FACE 

through  substance;  the  co-mingling  of  material 
and  Divine  vibrations.  Vibrations  from  the 
ALL  MIGHTY  could  not  only  turn  the  dial  of 
Ahaz  backwards  ten  degrees,  but  worlds.  And 
this  answers  one  more  of  Ingersoll's  positive 
denials.  To  what  LENGTH  vibrations  may- 
carry  us  in  time  can  only  be  imagined  at  this 
time.  Vibrations  coming  from  the  ALL  MIGHTY 
could  remove  or  create  worlds.  What  then 
have  we  to  fear  by  seeking  the  Kingdom  first? 

Vibrations,  my  friend,  are  the  powerful  mag- 
netic force  that  compels  SOUL  WAVES  to 
respond  to  the  MIGHTINESS  OF  HIS  WILL. 
Divine  vibrations  reach  the  earth  and  miracu- 
lously turn  the  tide  in  affairs.  New  forces 
are  set  to  work,  new  deeds  enacted,  new 
motives,  new  ideals  inspired,  materialized,  and 
thus  the  earth  is  replenished.  *'I  will  replenish 
the  earth,"  saith  the  Lord.  It  is  well,  at  this 
point,  to  turn  our  attention  a  moment  to  the 
Deluge.  The  question  of  its  purpose  comes 
first  in  thought.  This  is  soon  answered  by  the 
above  quotation:  '*I  will  replenish  the  earth," 
saith  the  Lord.  God,  in  His  Infinite  wisdom, 
sought  the  relief  of  coming  generations  from 
the  EESULTS  of  sin,  sickness  and  diseases 
that  were  at  that  time  so  prevalent.  **And 
God  saw  that  the  wickedness  of  man  WAS 
great  in  the  earth  AND  THAT  EVERY 
IMAGINATION  OR  THOUGHT  OF  HIS 
HEART  was  only  EVIL  CONTINUALLY." 
EVIL  thoughts,  like  Aaron's  rod,  a  serpent 
turneth  into.     God  said:  **I  will  destroy  MAN 


NATURE   AND    THE    SOUL  273 

from  the  face  of  the  earth, '*  but  He  did  not  say 
SOUL.  He  sought  also  to  cleanse  nature,  puri- 
fy the  contaminating  conditions  existing  in  the 
world. 

**Noah  was  a  just  man,  and  perfect  in  his 
generations,  AND  NOAH  walked  with  God.'* 

Next  we  will  deal  with  Inger soil's  works  and 
queries  as  to  the  question  of  space. 

**Eooms  thou  shalt  make  in  the  ark,  and 
pitch  it  within  and  without  with  pitch.''  As 
the  ark  was  550  feet  long,  91  feet,  8  inches 
wide,  and  55  feet  high — the  ark  being  divided 
into  three  decks  or  stories — the  question  of 
space  is  greatly  lessened;  there  would  be  many 
stowaways  in  such  construction. 

INGERSOLL:  *^At  the  top,  one  window  22 
inches  square;  ventilation  must  have  been  one 
of  Jehovah's   chief  hobbies." 

LOTUS:  This  fact  would  proclaim  the  ani- 
mals to  be  very  young;  the  damp  and  chill  of 
the  flood  would  seriously  affect  young  animals. 
It  was  rather  a  matter  of  protection  than 
ventilation. 

INGERSOLL:  **What  had  these  animals  to 
eat  on  their  journey?  What  did  they  drink?  Of 
course,  when  the  rains  came  the  rivers  ran  to  seas 
and  the  seas  rose  and  finally  covered  the  world 
with  water.  The  waters  of  the  seas  mingled  with 
those  of  the  flood  would  make  salt  water.  To  find 
out  how  salt  the  water  of  the  flood  would  be,  take 
eight  quarts  of  fresh  water  and  add  one  quart 
from  the  sea." 


274  FACE    TO   FACE 

LOTUS :  I  will  let  a  little  child  answer  this : 
'^Dere  is  oder  ways  of  dittin'  water  when  it  yains 
than  dippin'  it  np ;  it  tood  be  tot  in  yittle  buckets 
from  de  yittle  window  at  de  top,  toodn't  it?  Or 
somtin'  hnnged  outside.  Or  it  tood  have  a  spout 
wid  a  stopper  on  de  inside/'  The  wisdom  of 
children  often  gives  us  surprising  little  movie 
pictures  that  please. 

Again,  the  very  young  could  maintain  life 
many  more  days  than  Noah  was  in  the  ark,  on 
milk  alone.  The  unclean  are  not  usually  classed 
as  milk-giving  animals,  but  it  may  have  some 
weight  in  this  case. 

INGERSOLL:  ^'Noah  had  to  take  food  for 
all;  how  long  was  he  in  the  ark?  Three  hundred 
and  seventy-seven  days.  Think  of  the  food  neces- 
sary for  those  monsters  of  the  anti-deluged 
world. '  * 

LOTUS:  The  stowaways  in  and  about  the 
ark  could  hold  enough  food,  but  the  FACT  is,  that 
GOD  HAD  THE  POWER  TO  APPEASE 
THEIR  APPETITES. 

INGERSOLL:  ^^How  did  they  keep  the  ark 
clean?'' 

LOTUS:  There  was  probably  some  outlet 
drainage,  as  the  little  one  says,  **WITH 
STOPPERS  TO  'EM."  However,  we  will  leave 
that  to  the  imagination ;  fact  is,  these  details  were 
better  attended  to  than  our  theories  could  ever 
picture. 

These  queries  bring  before  us  the  little  fact 
that  man  looks  more  to  argument  than  he  does  to 
the  BOW  OF  HIS  PROMISE,  whose  reflection 


NATURE   AND    THE    SOUL  275 

shines  through  all  things,  great  and  small.  We 
can  never  get  to  the  soul  of  things  through  argu- 
ment. SOUL  IS  THE  INCORPOKEAL 
NATURE  OF  MAN;  in  it  is  not  debate,  but 
TRUTH  real  and  active.  IngersoU  again  turns 
us  in  the  paths  of  little  insects  by  asking,  *^Is  it 
possible  that  an  Infinite  being  would  resort  to 
such  expenditures  as  to  drive  the  Canaanites  out 
of  the  country  with  hornets?'*  God  sees  the 
END  thereof.  The  little  hornets,  vibrating  with 
the  WILL  OF  GOD,  enacted  it.  Hornets  are 
little  things,  yet  they  vibrate  with  the  powers 
that  be,  ready  to  enact  even  for  those  who 
believe  in  them  and  do  not  fear.  There  is  a 
certain  little  throbbing  sense,  whether  it  be 
hearing  or  feeling,  that  dominates  these  little 
insects  we  cannot  fully  comprehend,  though  we 
see  the  working.  The  little  throb  takes  place 
in  what  Professor  Hines  would  call  **the  truth 
center  in  man,'*  where  the  umbilical  cord  is 
attached.  The  throbbing  is  plainly  discerned 
with  the  naked  eye ;  under  microscopical  test  it  is 
likened  to  a  living  nerve,  only  fuller,  and  a  more 
tender  mass  of  soft  substance,  which  when 
throbbing  causes  various  expressions  of  action — 
fear,  revenge,  or  calm  serenity — according  to  the 
conduct  or  attitude  in  mind  of  the  investigator; 
proving  them  to  be  susceptible  to  suggestion, 
sensitive  to  will.  When  these  little  hornets  are 
trained  through  kindness,  they  like  it  and  will 
perform  unasked,  untutored,  time  and  again.  The 
female  hornet  seems  to  have  a  more  docile 
temperament   than   the  male,   rather  flirtatious, 


276  FACE   TO   FACE 

but  manageable,  after  their  confidence  is  won. 
Both  male  and  female  have  a  certain  devoted 
delight  in  each  other  that  speaks  loudly  of  insect 
wooing.  The  unbounded  love  that  seeks  its  mate 
in  all  expressions  of  life.  Hence,  the  Divine 
purpose  of  God  working  in  and  through  **THE 
LEAST  OF  THESE." 

In  my  own  little  laboratory  of  thought  and 
investigation,  I  have  found  expressed  love 
between  male  and  female  plants,  trees  and  vege- 
tation generally.  There  is  in  these  a  commingling 
of  SUBSTANCE  in  which  the  power  of  love 
generates,  and  brings  great  perfection  in  the 
various  expressions  of  plant  life.  I  should  not 
like  to  plant  a  flower  garden  without  its  loves 
any  more  than  I  would  like  to  keep  a  bird  that 
could  never  find  its  mate  because  of  closed  bars, 
and  swings  to  elate  their  quiet  hours  with  a 
little  bit  of  joy.  NAY,  I  want  all  that  is  MINE 
to  abound  in  the  FULLNESS  OF  NATURE  AND 
SOUL;  I  want  no  tethered  loves,  no  hopeless 
dwelling  to  be  the  portion  of  MINE;  1  want 
them  to  LIVE  in  the  FULLNESS  thereof. 

IngersoU  says:  **It  would  have  been  just  as 
well  for  God  to  have  spoken  the  Canaanites  out 
of  the  country  as  to  have  spoken  the  hornets  in.  ^ ' 
It  is  through  suffering,  through  trials,  ideal,  that 
we  are  made  to  see  that  ^^WE,  OF  OURSELVES, 
CAN  DO  NOTHING."  That  is  the  greatest 
truth  in  personal  efficiency;  it  is  the  LAW  of 
life  brought  HOME.  Attunement  to  conditions, 
place  or  thing,  may  be  made  perfect  through  the 
spirit  of  contentment,  and  will  finally  obliterate 


NATURE   AND   THE    SOUL  277 

the  NEED  of  suffering,  the  truth  made  clear 
simplifies  understanding.  The  Bible  would  be 
better  understood  and  appreciated  were  we  to 
study  the  nature  OF  THINGS  GOD  TEACHES 
THROUGH.  In  the  course  of  time  and  events 
truth  always  performs  its  duty.  Injustice  will 
triumph  as  long  as  it  is  fed  by  greed. 

THE  EFFICIENCY  OF  GOD'S  WORKS 

When  nature  beams,  there  the  omnipotent 
finger  points  to  the  purpose.  **And  thou  shalt 
make  a  plate  of  gold  and  engrave  upon  it  like 
the  engraving  of  a  signet  ^HOLINESS  TO  THE 
LORD.'  And  thou  shalt  put  on  BLUE  lace  that 
it  may  be  upon  the  face  of  the  mitre ;  upon  the 
front  of  the  mitre  shall  it  be. ' ' 

Colors  have  greater  import  than  we  sometimes 
think.  Color  is  the  REFLECTED  MAGNETISM 
of  nature.  Again,  natural  things  and  spiritual 
things  are  inseparable.  Colors  have  a  peculiar 
FORCE  radiating  in  and  through  substance. 
They  absorb  and  reflect  heat,  cold,  light;  soothe, 
heal  and  compel,  much  as  does  spirit.  It  is  well 
to  remember  that  every  cell  in  the  human  body 
is  a  well-spring  of  spiritual  activity  that  makes 
more  and  more  evident  the  fact,  that  colors 
HAVE  varied  and  peculiar  influences  on  the 
body,  mind — and  I  might  say — SOUL,  of  man- 
kind.   For  soul  IS  COLOR ;  is  light,  essence. 

Have  you  noticed  the  vapor  rising  above  a 
field  like  unto  a  little  cloud  or  heavy  mist,  when 
other  near-by  fields  seemed  clear  and  free?  Did 
you   liken  the   little   rising   vaporous    cloud   to 


278  FACE    TO   FACE 

thought  pictures  ascending  to  God  for  judgment, 
or  did  you  liken  it  to  active  intelligence,  spirit 
that  takes  on  the  spiritual  body  with  ease  and 
enacts  the  DIVINE  EVERLASTING  LIFE  in 
which  is  the  FULNESS  of  nature  and  the  soul! 

We  have  the  X-ray,  the  violet  ray  that  will 
eventually  teach  man  the  UNITY  of  soul  and 
nature. 

We  are  greatly  endangered  when  we  ^*  score 
one''  on  a  new  invention  when  we  do  not  accept 
the  DIVINE  WORKING  POWER  OF  spirit  that 
has  made  these  things  possible.  They  will 
become  a  menace  and  not  a  blessing  if  we  per- 
sistently ignore  this  fact. 

God  is  in  all  things. 

'  *  I,  of  myself,  can  do  nothing. ' ' 

**A11  good  things  come  from  above."  All  good 
things,  all  great  things,  are  DIRECTLY 
CONNECTED  WITH  DIVINITY.  To  REFUSE 
the  DIVINE  IN  THEM  is  to  refuse  their 
substance. 

Colors  have,  and  hold,  a  great  part  in  things 
Holy,  in  things  man  has  made,  and  things  God 
has  made;  limitations  in  these,  are  past  compre- 
hension. If  friction  appears  in  color  schemes, 
it  is  due  to  the  inharmonious  construction  with 
which  man  places  colors,  or  the  inharmonious 
condition  existing  between  man  and  his  associ- 
ates, in  which  the  reflected  coloring  of  things 
desired  are  unwholesome,  untrustworthy  or 
disloyal.  The  various  phases  of  development 
shed  their  rays  around  us  to  quicken,  heal,  and 
enliven.    It  matters  not  what  we  do,  the  reflection 


NATURE   AND    THE    SOUL  279 

is  THEKE  in  the  ether  around  us,  felt  by  mortal, 
seen  by  spirit.  Much  as  the  shadow  lies  upon 
the  rock,  to  warm,  relieve,  or  chill;  to  quicken 
or  kill  any  life  upon  the  rock;  as  we  AKE  so 
shall  it  be. 

Many  have  made  light  of  the  building  of 
temples,  the  patterns  for  coats,  the  sewing  on 
of  buttons,  patterns  for  the  utensils  used  in  the 
temples,  the  color  of  robes,  etc.,  the  countless 
little  details  the  Bible  goes  into.  It  is  the  little 
details  that  COUNT,  my  friend;  in  them  is  not 
ridicule,  but  truth.  The  patterns  given  exem- 
plify one  of  the  greatest  laws  in  nature — that  of 
order  and  efficiency,  harmony  of  purpose  and 
attuned  Godliness.  These  have  been  recom- 
mended to  our  use,  sanctified  by  the  word  of 
God,  and  praise,  hence  made  HOLY;  the  sym- 
bolic meaning  of  spiritual  triumph.  Unity  with 
God;  the  expressive  principle  brought  to  bear  by 
praise,  works  and  faith,  by  letting  life  live  in  the 
FULNESS  OF  LAW  AND  OEDER;  letting  our 
purpose  blend  with  the  Divine  color  scheme  in 
the  realms  of  attunement.  Just  trusting  the 
Master  to  keep  our  secrets.  Keeping  our  color 
scheme  within  the  bounds  of  the  artistic  and  soul 
expressed  truth,  is  unconsciously  blending  soul 
with  nature,  with  the  substance  in  nature, 
wherein  man  draws  sustenance.  It  is  not  alone  the 
man  whose  soul  is  filled  with  fear  or  tribulation 
that  compels  him  to  turn  to  his  Creator;  it  is 
rather  the  natural  response  of  spirit  IN  man 
answering  the  call  from  the  Godhead. 

Color   oft    sends   a    sweet   perfume    o'er    our 


280  PACE   TO   FACE 

senses.  It  is  symbolic  of  youth  and  beanty;  it 
harmonizes  with  some  sense  within  our  being 
which  leaves  the  imprint  of  exalted  joy;  reaching 
some  cell  of  spiritual  activity,  it  flames  forth  in 
attunement  with  nature  and  soul.  Colors  we  do 
not  **take  to''  sicken,  repel,  leaving  a  gloomy 
feeling  in  their  wake.  These  are  out  of  harmony 
with  our  aura,  as  it  were,  our  reflected  shadow. 
Some  perfumes  create  within  us  a  great  desire 
to  DO  something,  much  as  the  bugler  sends  a 
thrill  of  active  desire  to  the  youth  who  wants  to 
JOIN  THE  AEMY,  or  something  that  will  reflect 
in  the  world  around  him.  As  these  run  to  art  of 
soul  for  art's  sake,  they  enliven  with  statutory 
effect,  the  color,  life,  existence,  valor,  honor,  or 
integrity,  the  shadow  on  the  rock ;  seen  by  spirit, 
felt  by  man,  passed  on  in  greater  deeds;  and, 
finally  meeting  its  vibrate  waves  of  truth, 
ascends,  as  incense  upon  the  altar  of  reason;  we 
become  attuned  to  the  BLENDING,  and  thus 
things  are  made  HOLY.  The  beautiful  sym- 
metry of  all  things  natural,  fairly  breathe  the 
breath  of  perfume,  light  and  color  to  those 
equally  endowed  with  the  same  reflection;  hence 
we  understand  more  fully  ^ ^ AND  HE 
BREATHED  INTO  THEM  THE  BREATH  OF 
LIFE."  Somehow  when  we  think  of  the  taber- 
nacles of  old,  the  mitre,  the  doors  of  Shittim- 
wood,  the  engraving  ^^  HOLINESS  UNTO  THE 
LORD,"  we  expect  to  find  the  reflection  in  our 
today.  Unconsciously  we  sniff  the  air  for  the 
sweet  incense,  of  which  ^^THOU  SHALT  NOT 
BURN  ANY  STRANGE  INCENSE,"  only  the 


NATURE    AND    THE    SOUL  281 

spirit  of  truth;  fall  upon  our  knees,  and  behold, 
the  floor  hath  turned  to  gold,  refined  by  the 
presence  of  the  spirit  that  moved  upon  the 
face  of  the  waters.  We  look  and  behold  His 
image  in  coloring  and  art  supreme,  the  rays 
of  HIS  SUN  reflected  through  the  substance  of 
which  the  thing  was  created.  We  look  again,  and 
behold  the  door  of  Shittim-wood ;  a  ray  of  red 
falls  over  the  side — the  reflection  from  Calvary; 
and  behold!  We  see  the  color  THAT 
REFLECTS  upon  the  rock,  the  shadow  of  HOLY 
SACRIFICE ;  we  bend  and  kiss  the  hem  of  His 
garment  and  REJOICE  IN  THE  COMING  OF 
THE  LORD.  Some  well-spring  within  has  burst 
asunder  and  we  behold  HIS  LIKENESS  AND 
IMAGE.  The  sweet  perfume  of  HIS  presence 
overshadows  all. 

Thus  ^^DO  WE  ABIDE  IN  THE  SHADOW 
OF  THE  ALMIGHTY.''  We  plant  in  the  heart 
the  symbol  sanctified  to  our  use,  as  the  men  of 
old  planted  trees  in  the  Desert  of  Sinai.  It  may 
take  us,  perchance,  the  four  years  to  know  their 
true  worth.  We  cultivate  every  little  expression 
of  life,  of  use,  of  purpose,  until  we  DO  reap 
the  reward  of  FOUR,  which  **is  the  most  perfect 
of  numbers — four  corner  or  square'' — the  root 
of  all  things  representing  the  power  of  producing 
and  generating  virtue. 

If  Adam  had  not  fallen,  and  his  shadow  on 
the  rock  not  reflected  sin,  it  is  well  to  question 
whether  man  would  have  been  born  in  the 
carnal  sense  or  not.  But  as  Adam  DID  sin,  and 
his  reflection  is  still  on  the  rock,  and  shame  was 


282  FACE    TO   FACE 

born,  it  stands  to  reason  that,  as  man  is  born 
in  the  carnal  sense,  he  must  be  redeemed  in  the 
spiritual  sense.  This  would  lead  to  another 
thought.  Man  is  not  endowed  with  the  sins  of 
Adam,  but  the  INHERITANCE  OF  GOD. 
Though  man  has  suffered  from  the  FIRST 
CAUSE  OF  SIN,  he  is  enabled,  bv  Divine  intelli- 
gence, to  RISE  ABOVE  SIN. 

So  much  has  been  said  of  the  doves  used  for 
purification  that  I  want  to  add  my  mite.  It  is 
not  the  dove  or  its  feathers  that  purify,  but 
WHAT  THE  DOVE  STANDS  FOR,  which  is 
PEACE.  The  blood  of  the  dove  is  the  life  force; 
it  is  the  substance  of  things,  seen  and  unseen; 
it  is  the  fount  of  life;  hence  we  have  the  truth  in 
it;  LIFE  AND  PEACE,  or  LIVE  IN  PEACE. 
To  live  in  peace  is  to  sanctify  not  only  the  ONE, 
but  the  thousandth  and  one.  It  means  SAVED, 
CLEANSED,  it  is  the  DIVINE  PRINCIPLE 
FOR  WHICH  THESE  THINGS  STAND,  the 
symbol  of  all  that  makes  them  HOLY,  sanctified 
to  one  purpose. 

Little  emblems  of  the  Real  come  to  us  like 
waves  of  inspiration.  They  bob  up  in  our  paths, 
and  with  their  Divine  purpose  ringing  in  them, 
testify  the  power  of  nature  and  the  soul.  We 
never  grow  tired  of  looking  at  them;  never  grow 
weary  of  learning  the  simple  but  sweet  lessons 
they  teach.  There  is  wisdom  in  whatever  these 
little  things  teach  us,  whether  they  be  animate 
or  inanimate.  However,  animate  things  call 
forth  an  abundance  of  resources  from  which  we 
may  draw  sustenance. 


NATURE   AND    THE    SOUL  2^^ 

In  expressions  of  the  real  we  find  an  illumi- 
nating presence.  Take  for  example  the  reflected 
color  of  soul,  of  being,  of  the  physical.  As  we  look 
we  behold  one  of  the  most  beautiful  expressions 
of  the  real;  it  is  the  unbounded  illuminating  love 
of  GOD  blending  His  purpose  for  man,  as  the 
artist  mixes  his  colors  for  some  great  master- 
piece he  HOPES  will  not  be  disappointmg  in 
effect.  Little  hopes,  little  fears,  how  many  times 
you  cause  little  tears  from  BIG  HEARTS;  little 
hopes  from  great  souls;  little  smiles  from  lips 
of  love;  little  emblems  of  the  real,  how  many, 
many  channels  you  pass  through  before  you  come 
to  us! 

Nature  is  a  REDEEMING  FORCE,  repro- 
duced by  the  SANCTIFIED  PRESENCE  OF 
GOD,  in  which  HE  PROVES  THE  CONTIN- 
UITY OF  LIFE,  and  the  marvelous  REPRO- 
DUCTION OF  SEEMINGLY  INANIMATE 
THINGS.  Nothing  is  inanimate  WHEN  GOD  IS 
IN  IT.  God  is  life;  God  is  light;  God  is  love— 
the  SUBSTANCE  OF  ALL. 

Spirit  is  TRUTH;  perfection  is  found  in  it. 
Nature,  Oh,  soul  of  Truth,  what  art  thou  but 
GOD! 

NATURE'S  PEACE 

Oh,  what  peace,  what  comfort  you  bring, 
When  nature  breaks  forth,  and  begins  to  sing 
ALL  ABOUT;  whispers  of  God's  holy  love, 
Whispers  His  promise  in  the  clouds  above. 
It  falls  as  gently  as  the  milkweed's  fleece. 
Whispering— PEACE— SWEET  PEACE. 


284  FACE   TO   FACE 

NATURE'S  PASSION 

Flowers  are  crushed,  while  the  rain  drops  sob, 
It  is  for  a  purpose,  it  comes  from  God. 
Love  never  blights,  that  it  doesn't  bring 
Something  for  which  we  afterwards  sing. 
The  lightning  stabs  the  heart  of  the  earth, 
The  stars  gleam  forth  at  each  new  birth. 
God's  will  in  Nature  ever  rings  true, 
COULD  it  do  less  in  the  SOUL  OF  YOU? 

Down  in  our  field  is  an  emblem  of  the  real. 
It  is  strong,  sturdy,  and  yet  beautiful.  It  does 
not  know  what  else  to  do,  so  it  just  LIVES  on. 
We  have  the  KEAL  with  us  alwavs,  but  this 
PAETICULAR  EXPRESSION  OF  THE  REAL 
comes  up  every  spring.  One  day  a  well-meaning 
but  hungry  horse  stepped  on  it.  ^'Oooooo,  but  it 
did  HURT.  It  will  hinder  my  growth,''  cried 
the  emblem  of  the  real — a  little  dandelion. 
** Please  go  away."  The  foot  moved;  little  dan- 
delion tried  to  raise  her  crushed  leaves,  but  they 
were  too  weak,  so  she  sensibly  said :  * '  Oh,  well,  it 
can't  be  helped.  I  will  just  bide  my  time  and  try 
again  tomorrow."  The  sun  was  bright  when 
dandelion  awoke  the  next  morning.  She  uncon- 
sciously stretched  herself  towards  it.  To  her 
dismay,  she  found  that  some  of  her  finest  leaves 
had  fallen  off  in  the  night,  but  as  she  was  so 
sensible,  she  just  said:  ^^I  will  have  more 
strength  for  the  other  leaves  anyway."  And  so 
little  dandelion  kept  on  growing  just  as  fast  as 
she  could.  One  day  she  was  astonished  to  see  a 
lot  of  little  green  buttons  on  her  coat  of  green, 
when  two  ladies  came  along  with  a  knife  and  a 


NATURE   AND    THE    SOUL  285 

bucket.  Nearly  all  of  the  little  dandelion  neigh- 
bors were  dug  up  and  put  in  the  pail ;  by  and  by 
it  was  dandelion's  turn.  The  lady  stooped, 
pulled  her  pail  close  to  little  dandelion,  her  knife 
glistened.  **0oooooooo,"  cried  dandelion,  shiv- 
ering. *^I  will  not  dig  this  one,  Grace.  It  is 
too  strong;  see,  it  has  buttons  on  its  coat;  it 
would  spoil  the  flavor  of  the  more  tender  ones." 
So  they  left  dandelion  happily  alone.  **See," 
cried  dandelion,  **all  my  little  neighbors  have 
been  taken  to  the  cook's  kitchen.  It  pays  to  have 
experiences,  if  they  DO  hurt  sometimes.  It 
was  a  near  tragedy,  I  guess,  but  it  was  a 
good  one.''  Time  grew  and  grew  into  weeks. 
Dandelion  looked  at  the  buttons  on  her  coat, 
behold  they  were  GOLDEN.  **The  reward  of 
patience,  I  guess,"  she  murmured.  And  then 
one  day  the  golden  buttons  disappeared,  and  in 
their  place  were  great  white  pompons.  ^*I  am 
spirit  now,"  cried  little  dandelion,  ^* that's  the 
way  folks  do.  I  am  so  lonely,  I  will  just  have 
to  blow  away  by  myself,  I  guess."  Pretty  soon 
another  little  spirit  dandelion  lit  right  in  her 
midst.  **Come  with  me,"  it  said;  ^^ours  is  an 
ideal  trial."  ^^Why,  how  is  that?"  said  little 
dandelion.  ^'Come  on,"  cried  the  spirit  dande- 
Hon,  *4et  go  THE  OLD  STALK  and  we  can 
go  on."  So  little  dandelion  blew  away  with  the 
other  little  spirit  dandelion.  ^*0h,  isn't  this 
LOVELY  ? ' '  cried  little  dandelion ;  ^  *  I  feel  so  light, 
and  no  old  horse  can  step  on  me  now,  I  can't 
be  still  long  enough;  I  am  going  to  light  right 
on  that  old  lady's  hand."     The  old  lady  pulled 


286  FACE    TO   FACE 

her  glasses  down  over  her  eyes  and  exclaimed 
in  pleasurable  surprise :  ^  ^  The  very  finest  speci- 
men I  have  seen  this  year;  I  am  going  to  take 
it  home  with  me  this  instant!** 

Little  dandelion  was  destined  to  sit  in  the 
parlor  under  a  big  glass  globe  all  the  rest  of  her 
life  and  listen  to  Susan  play  the  organ.  ^*0h 
what  an  ideal  trial/*  cried  little  dandelion;  *4f 
the  old  horse  hadn't  stepped  on  me  I  would  be — 
goodness  knows  where.  I  had  far  rather  hear 
Susan  play  the  old  organ;  her  heart  is  in  it, 
anyway. '  * 

By  accepting  the  TKUTH  in  contentment,  we 
rise  above  carnal  sense.  Art  must  have  its  dash 
of  color  to  bring  out  the  high  lights  and  shadows. 
So  with  nature  in  man;  it  must  respond  ONLY 
to  the  harmonious  that  brings  out  the  rich  notes 
of  soul  in  expression,  and  vibrating  HYMNS 
in   nature. 

In  nature  there  are  no  hard  lines.  Even  the 
rock  is  softened  by  some  sweet  plant,  leaf  or 
shrub;  the  stones  of  the  desert  have  the  relief 
of  butterfly  wings,  the  blossoming  cactus,  the 
sparkling  sands,  reflect  some  note  of  color  and 
magnify  beauty  of  purpose.  Not  one  note  in 
nature  is  sung  without  its  corresponding  echo  in 
things.  There  is  always  the  little  laughter 
beneath  the  still  waters,  the  little  thrill  of  happi- 
ness waiting  for  some  expression  to  call  it  forth 
in  song.  The  carnal  attracts  serpentine  things — 
not  the  little  ripple  of  happiness  that  man's  heart 
longs  for. 


NATURE   AND   THE   SOUL  287 

A  LITTLE  CALL  TO  ART 

IN  THE  BEAUTY  OF  THE  OLD 

We  look  back  through  the  dust  of  ages  and 
see  one  of  the  great  masters  of  old  sitting  just 
outside  his  door.  His  chair  is  tipped  back 
against  the  lattice  work  upon  which  grow  count- 
less roses  of  a  climbing  variety.  A  pipe  with  a 
wonderful  long  stem  rests  in  his  hand;  a  merry 
twinkle  gleams  from  his  eye  as  he  sees  at  the  well 
near  by  HIS  THEME.  He  bids  it  welcome;  he 
dreams  on  and  on;  he  LIVES  A  PICTURE  the 
brush  has  not  as  yet  touched.  BY  LIVING  his 
theme  he  has  WON  one  of  the  greatest  of  tech- 
nical points — that  of  FEELINGr;  the  rest  is 
easy.  The  little  daubs  of  paint  fairly  spring  to 
life ;  his  heart,  his  soul  is  ON  CANVAS,  with  no 
thought  of  the  morrow,  or  where  this  living  thing 
may  find  a  price.  His  soul  has  LIVED  and 
expressed  itself  in  the  fullness  of  beauty,  of  being 
created  from  the  beautiful.  MASTERS  are 
those  who  DARE  TO  LIVE  IN  THE  FULL 
NESS  THEREOF.    That  is  the  secret. 

It  is  not  because  it  IS  old  that  we  value  the 
old.  It  is  the  vibrating  spiritual  understanding 
that  gives  us  light  TO  SEE  the  true  VALUE  in 
it;  in  other  words,  it  is  spirit  meeting  spirit. 
YESTERDAY  will  not  return  again.  Let  it 
go,  and  take  with  it  the  errors  of  ignorance,  of 
self  will.  *^LET  THERE  BE  LIGHT.  ^'  The 
power  of  the  spoken  word  penetrates  the  NEW 
DAY  with  a  new  light  by  which  we  may** GET 
KNOWLEDGE,  GET  WISDOM,  GET  UNDER- 
STANDING.'' 


288  FACE   TO   FACE 

Burn  the  atoms  of  regret  upon  the  cinders  of 
forgetfulness.  When  the  fire  burns  low,  they 
will  have  lost  their  power  to  consume  our  life 
forces  by  their  habit  of  depriving  us  of  our 
better  judgment.  LET  THEM  GO,  AND  LIVE 
IN  THE  LIGHT  OF  THE  NEW  DAY.  The 
pictures  of  the  old  masters  are  still  upon  the 
walls  of  memory;  BUT  IT  IS  THE  LESSON 
THEY  TEACH  we  take  with  us  into  the  dawn 
of  the  new  day.  THIS  IS  THE  ART  OF 
LIVING;  the  call  of  the  soul  in  nature.  Every 
new  day  brings  a  new  chance.  Make  the  most 
of  it. 

INGERSOLL:  **It  seems  to  me  that  the  first 
organized  religious  ceremonial  was  the  worship 
of  the  sun.  The  sun  was  the  first  sky  father, 
the  all  seeing,  the  source  of  life,  the  fireside  of 
the  world;  the  sun  was  regarded  as  one  who 
fought  darkness,  the  power  of  evil,  the  enemy 
of  man.  There  have  been  many  sun  gods,  and 
they  seem  to  have  been  the  chief  deities  in  the 
ancient  religions.  They  have  been  worshiped  in 
many  lands,  by  many  nations,  they  have  passed 
to  death  and  dust.  Apollo  was  a  sun  god,  and  he 
fought  and  conquered  the  serpent  of  night; 
Buldur  was  a  sun  god,  and  he  was  in  love  with 
the  dawn;  Hercules  was  a  sun  god,  and  so  was 
Sampson,  whose  strength  was  in  his  hair.  All 
of  these  gods  had  gods  for  fathers,  and  their 
mothers  were  virgins. 

**The  birth  of  nearly  all  was  announced  by 
stars,  celebrated  by  celestial  music,  and  voices  de- 
clared that  blessings  had  come  to  the  poor  world. 


NATURE   AND   THE    SOUL  289 

All  of  these  gods  were  born  in  humble  places ;  in 
caves,  under  trees,  in  common  inns,  and  tyrants 
sought  to  kill  them  when  they  were  babies.  All 
of  these  sun  gods  were  born  in  the  winter  solstice, 
on  Christmas ;  nearly  all  were  worshiped  by  wise 
men.  All  of  them  fasted  forty  days;  all  of  them 
taught  in  parables ;  all  of  them  wrought  miracles ; 
all  of  them  met  with  a  violent  death,  and  all  of 
them  rose  from  the  dead.  The  history  of  these 
gods  is  the  exact  history  of  our  Christ.  His  is 
not  a  coincident,  an  accident.  Christ  was  a 
sun  god.  Christ  was  a  new  name  for  an  old 
biography — a  survival — the  last  of  the  sun  gods. 
Christ  was  not  a  man,  but  a  myth ;  not  a  life,  but 
a  legend. 

**I  have  found  that  we  have  not  only  borrowed 
our  Christ,  but  that  all  of  our  sacraments, 
symbols  and  ceremonies,  were  legacies  that  we 
received  from  the  buried  past.  There  is  nothing 
original  in  Christianity.'' 

LOTUS :  We  came  into  the  Aeroplane,  but  we 
made  kites  first.  There  is  always  a  beacon  light 
burning  from  the  Infinite  that  ILLUMINES 
THE  EEASON  OF  MAN.  It  is  not  strange,  nor 
passingly  strange,  that  man  first  sought  Christ 
in  the  SUBSTANCE  OF  THINGS  BRIGHT, 
LIGHT,  PURE  and  POWERFUL.  Man  in  the 
dungeon  of  carnal  sense  gropes  towards  the  first 
ray  of  light  penetrating  the  darkness.  Christ 
opened  the  door  of  carnal  prison  when  He  came 
to  ennoble  and  save  mankind;  hence  the  pro- 
gression of  man  in  spiritual  truth. 


290  FACE    TO   FACE 

Years  before  we  had  the  automobile  we  had 
carts,  wheelbarrows,  engines,  and  then,  acme  of 
inspiration — then  the  EEAL,  and  now  we  ride 
in  THINGS  we  had  never  thought  of  possessing. 
It  is  the  same  with  men  of  old.  They  sought 
Christ,  yet  they  knew  Him  not.  He  made  Him- 
self felt  ages  before  His  coming. 

Our  greatest  gifts  of  spirit  do  not  come  to  us 
in  bounds,  but  by  the  building  of  temples.  The 
LAW  must  be  made  manifest;  first  the  patterns 
given,  and  then  BEHOLD,  the  SPOKEN  WORD. 

In  applied  reason,  in  applied  science,  the 
method  of  Christ  was  a  scientific  principle.  He 
sought  to  relieve  mankind  of  the  burdens  of 
ignorance;  He  sought  to  cast  out  devils  of 
unreality,  and  apply  reality — the  most  sublime 
theme  ever  materialized.  The  lifting  of  man 
from  carnal  prison,  from  FALSE  worship, 
FALSE  ideals,  the  placing  before  him  the 
FREEDOM  OF  SPIRIT,  was  what  Jesus 
worked  for,  died  for.  The  scarlet  memory  left 
on  Calvary  exemplifies  sacrifice. 

So-called  death  is  the  quickening  of  spirit;  the 
shedding  of  the  old,  the  taking  on  of  the  new; 
it  is  a  step  into  the  sunshine  of  Afterwhile. 
Through  sacrifice  death  is  sanctified.  Birth  is 
the  link  that  binds  the  material  and  the  spiritual. 

It  is  not  strange  that  the  birth  of  the  Holy 
should  come  in  the  winter  time,  or  that  man  and 
spirit  should  select  winter  as  an  emblem  of  birth. 
Frost  and  snow,  falling  as  gently  as  the  milk- 
weed's fleece,  penetrates  EVERY  ATOM  OF 
CORRUPTION,  and  makes  way  for  the  spirit 


NATURE    AND    THE    SOUL  291 

of  spring.  Life  is  dormant  to  nature's  growth 
in  winter,  but  ALIVE  to  spiritual  birth.  Nature 
sleepeth  for  a  while,  while  the  angels  make 
EEADY  for  the  coming  of  the  bride. 

Christ  compels  obedience  TO  the  law,  whether 
in  the  body,  or  out  of  the  body.  Though  the 
rosebush  be  stripped  of  its  thorns  the  blossoms 
return  again  and  again  in  profusion  and  fragrant 
beauty.  The  phenomena  of  growth  without  the 
thorns,  therein  lieth  the  mystery.  Never-the-less 
God's  PUEPOSE  is  reflected  in  the  power  TO 
OVEECOME  EEEOE,  though  it  may  seem  but 
a  part  of  nature's  growth.  It  IS  THE  LAW  of 
eternal  hope  sanctified  through  the  beauty  of 
Spirit.  Spirit  and — nature  are  inseparable.  What 
then  more  befitting  than  the  birth  of  the  Holy  in 
winter  time?  Or  that  man  FIEST  sought  Christ 
in  the  pure,  the  beautiful  and  divine. 

These  respond  to  the  call  of  the  soul  seeking 
its  own;  this  seems  very  simple  when  we  realize 
that  Spirit  is  above  all;  in  all;  surrounding  all; 
regardless  of  time,  place  or  thing.  It  is  the  nature 
of  spirit  to  develop  its  subjects. 

Learn  to  meet  FACE  TO  FACE  the  LITTLE 
THINGS  in  the  MELODY  of  UNITY;  then— will 
nature  ring  the  vespers  of  attunement  IN  THY 
SOUL. 

It  is  in  the  hidden  places,  in  caves,  the  old 
inns,  that  we  most  often  find  PEICELESS 
curios,  rare  flowers,  hidden  treasures,  enshrouded 
in  the  spirit  of  truth,  in  which  there  is  no 
mystery — but  life.  Oh,  the  wonderful,  wonderful 
silence  in  which  we  gather  the  forces  together, 


292  FACE   TO   FACE 

preparing  the  way  for  new  and  greater  things! 
The  blossoms  of  spiritual  uplift  fall  so  gently 
upon  our  heads,  we  do  not  know  they  are  there, 
until  their  fragrance  arouses  our  senses  to 
greater  harmony  of  purpose.  The  little  fly  that 
buzzes  around  our  blossoms  carries  on  its  wings 
the  expression  of  happiness;  why  look  to  its 
sting f  Bothersome  things  are  sometimes  our 
greatest  blessings;  they  distract  us  from  the 
error  of  thought,  or  enliven  the  conscience  to 
greater  attainments. 

THE  OLD  RAG  DOLL 
ON  THE  HEABTH 

Our  little  blessings  in  disguise  sometimes 
wear  their  mask  to  more  than  one  ball,  that  we 
may  hear  repeatedly  the  music  that  quickens  to 
action.  We  wander  to  the  little  wayside  inn 
to  find  the  sweet  spirit  of  truth.  It  is  there 
we  seek  curios,  rare  and  priceless.  The  old  clock 
ticking  away  in  yon  corner  has  beheld  the 
coming  and  going  of  countless  years,  numberless 
souls,  and  yet  it  ticks  on  as  happily,  as  surely, 
as  though  it  were  just  born  into  the  world  of 
things.  We  wander  closer,  look  long  upon  its 
yellow  wrinkled  face.  Smiling  at  us  in  the 
still  brilliant  pendulum  are  faces  that  have  long 
gone  to  rest;  the  weighty  pendulum  swinging 
to  and  fro  on  its  chain,  recalls  the  sweet  assur- 
ance that  though  gone,  in  a  physical  sense,  they 
are  still  with  us;  and  lo,  someone  is  calling — 
someone  is  calling. 

**Yes,  grandmother;  what  is  it?*' 


NATURE   AND   THE    SOUL  293 

**Dear,  what  were  you  thinking  of,  staring  at 
the  old  clock  r' 

**  Grandmother,  I  was  counting  the  pages  in 
its  diary." 

**Were  you,  dear?  Then  let  me  add  a  page  or 
two.  When  I  was  only  seventeen,  your  great- 
grandmother  and  grandfather  died,  leaving  me 
alone  in  the  old  inn  in  which  I  had  been  born. 
At  first  I  was  very  much  worried  as  to  how  I 
should  get  on,  and  whether  I  should  stop  in  the 
old  inn,  alone  or  not.  I  was  not  financially  fitted 
to  run  the  place  without  an  occasional  guest,  and 
I  was  afraid  somewhat  to  take  in  strangers.  It 
worried  me  so,  that  I  told  the  old  clock  about  it 
one  night  when  it  was  striking  the  weird  hour  of 
three.  It  seemed  to  say:  *Go  to  the  garret — 
go  to  the  garret — go  to  the — garret.'  I  could 
hear  no  other  sound  save  the  crowing  of  the 
cock  in  the  back  yard;  it  seemed,  indeed,  weird 
and  lonely.  But  I  lit  the  candle,  placed  it  care- 
fully in  the  stick,  gathered  my  nightrobe  tighter 
about  my  shivering  form  and  wended  my  way 
upstairs  to  the  garret.  I  looked  about,  but  could 
see  no  reason  for  my  coming,  and  was  beginning 
to  feel  somewhat  disheartened  when  I  spied,  in 
a  far  comer,  my  old  rag  doll.  It  had  been  SUCH 
a  comfort  when  I  was  a  child;  and  motlier  had 
treasured  it  because  I  loved  it  so.  Tenderly  I 
took  it  in  my  arms  and,  as  when  a  child,  sang 
to  it  the  lullaby  I  had  lisped  when  baby  days 
grew  long.  Tears  fell  upon  the  little  silk  gown, 
now  so  faded,  that  mother  had  so  carefully 
made.    I  examined  every  stitch.    It  seemed  that 


294  FACE    TO   FACE 

the  love  those  dear  fingers  had  wrought  into 
it  was  still  there  in  all  its  magnetic  power. 

^*A  light  hroke  through  the  cobwebbed  window 
and  it  was  no  longer  night.  I  snuffed  my  candle, 
hugged  my  dolly  tight  and  descended  to  the 
dining-room,  placing  my  treasure  on  the  old 
stone  hearth.  The  clock  chimed  happily  one — 
two — three — four — FIVE.  It  was  time  to  do  the 
milking.  I  told  dolly  to  stay  right  there  on  the 
hearth  until  I  returned.  It  was  a  comfort  to 
have  something  to  talk  to. 

**  After  the  milking  was  accomplished,  I  re- 
turned to  find  a  stranger  on  my  hearth,  a  great 
strong  man,  with  black  hair  and  eyes  that  seemed 
to  mock  my  loneliness.    He  eyed  me  sharply : 

**  *How  soon  will  breakfast  be  ready,  lass?  I 
am  hungry,  and  must  be  off.' 

^  *  Not  a  little  bewildered,  I  made  breakfast — the 
servants  having  left  at  the  death  of  father  and 
mother — fearing  to  live,  as  most  darkies  do,  in 
a  house  where  someone  had  died.  As  I  brought 
in  the  tray  of  breakfast,  the  stranger  terrified 
me  by  asking  were  I  alone.  I  looked  quickly  at 
the  old  rag  doll  on  the  hearth. 

''  ^No— n— o,  sir,  I  AM  NOT,'  burst  from  my 
lips. 

*^  *Good  enough;  hurry  up  breakfast,  lass; 
where  is  the  coffee  T 

**A  more  silent  breakfast  was  never  partaken 
of  in  the  little  inn.  My  uninvited  guest  arose, 
walked  to  the  hearth,  gave  the  old  rag  doll  a 
vigorous  kick,  then  caught  me  as  I  passed  and 
imprinted  on  my  cheek  a  kiss.     Horrified,  I  ran 


NATURE   AND   THE   SOUL  295 

screaming  from  the  inn,  to  see  the  stranger 
mount  his  horse  and  away.  I  stood  for  a  moment 
wonderng  how  I  could  remove  the  inn  sign 
that  swung  upon  its  rusty  hinges,  when  some- 
thing whispered  in  my  ear,  *Do  not  take  it  down, 
dear;  you  might  entertain  an  angel  unawares.' 
**Two  weeks  went  by;  my  dolly  was  not  again 
kicked  from  the  hearth ;  she  sat  there  in  state, 
listening  to  all  the  weird  tales  I  told  her.  Oft- 
times  we  would  discuss  the  stranger  and  his 
queer  ways.  One  day  I  had  a  different  tale  to 
tell  dolly ;  I  looked  at  her  with  tears  in  my  eyes — 

*  Dolly,  if  someone  does  not  come  to  the  inn  real 
soon  we  will  want  for  bread;  we  only  have  Bess, 
and  she  gives  us  milk,  and  the  chickens  they 
give  us  eggs;  but  we  just  CAN'T  LIVE  ON 
THEM,  Dolly;  someone  MUST  come  and  dine.' 
The  old  clock  chimed  nine.     'NINE,'  I  CRIED, 

*  rhymes  with  DINE';  the  clock  was  telling  us 
someone  WOULD  come  to  dine  in  the  only 
language  it  knew.  *I  wonder  WHO  is  coming, 
Dolly?'  She  looked  wise,  but  thought  best  not 
to  answer. 

**The  knocker  told  of  an  approaching  guest.  I 
almost  ran  to  the  door,  meeting  an  old  lady  with 
snow  white  curls  peeping  out  from  under  a  quaint 
little  bonnet. 

**  *It  is  cold,  dear  child;  brew  me  a  cup  of  tea,' 
she  whispered  as  she  drew  close  to  the  fire. 

*  *  Her  trembling  hands  took,  almost  impatiently, 
the  proffered  cup  of  tea. 

**  *You  here  alone,  dear?' 


296  FACE   TO   FACE 

"This  time  no  horror  filled  my  heart  when  I 
answered,  'Yes,  only — for  dolly  there.' 

**  *I  see,'  said  the  quaint  old  soul,  *only  for 
dolly  there;  and  pray  tell,  why  dolly,  at  your 
age?' 

**I  told  her  the  tale  of  the  clock;  she  listened 
attentively.  Finally  I  told  her  of  the  stranger 
and  how  he  had  frightened  me.  The  light  in  the 
dear  old  eyes  seemed  to  kindle  as  she  murmured. 

**  *Tell  me,  quick,  what  did  he  look  like!' 

*'I  told  her.     She  said: 

**  *I  wonder,  will  he  ever  come  to  the  inn  again, 
or  is  it  a  passing  fancy?' 

*'I  hoped  not,  I  told  her;  but  she  seemed  not 
to  hear.     The  clock  chimed  out — ONE. 

''  'ONE,'  cried  the  old  soul;  'ONE,  GOD' 
GEANT  IT  MAY  BE  JUST  ONE.' 

' '  She  remained  with  me  a  month.  At  the  end  of 
that  time  the  good  neighbors  brought  from  the 
post  office  a  box  neatly  tied;  in  it  was  a  NEW 
EAG  DOLL.  A  little  note:  'The  old  one  may 
have  lost  her  footing.  Hope  this  one  will  do.' 
Gleefully  the  dear  old  soul,  who  had  become  to 
me  both  friend  and  mother,  searched  the  box  for 
more  missives,  but  found  none. 

"  'If  you  will  allow  me,  my  dear,  I  will  stop 
with  you  the  winter  through;  I  need  you,  and 
evidently  you  need  me.    What  do  you  say?' 

' '  Oh,  how  happy  I  was !  The  long  winter  months 
ripened  into  greater  happiness  as  we  grew  fonder 
and  fonder  of  each  other;  sitting  with  the  new 
and  the  old  rag  dolls  the  long  winter  evenings 
telling  tales  of  wonder  to  them. 


NATURE   AND   THE   SOUL  297 

**  *I  think  your  great-grandmother,  dear,  must 
have  sat  up  in  heaven  in  astonishment  at  my 
ingenuity  in  conjuring  up  fables.' 

**Chistmas  Eve  we  were  planning  dinner  for 
the  following  day. 

**  *0h,  let  us  have  an  old-time  New  England 
dinner,'  said  my  dear  old  friend!  *You  may 
hitch  up  and  go  to  town  for  some  little  luxuries, 
if  you  like.' 

**One — Two — Three — ^Four,  chimed  the  old 
clock. 

**  *  You  should  be  home  by  seven,  if  you  go  now, 
dear.' 

**I  hitched  up  old  Tom,  who  was  glad  enough 
for  the  exercise,  and  cantered  away  over  the  hills 
to  the  merry  sound  of  bells,  returning  at  thirty 
minutes  past  six;  Tom  unhitched,  and  the  dain- 
ties placed  upon  the  kitchen  table.  Happily  we 
untied  each  little  bundle;  now  and  then  a  sage 
wag  of  the  dear  old  head  told  me  of  approval.  The 
clock  again  chimed  One — Two — Three — Four. 

**  *What  in  the  world  is  the  matter  with  that 
clock;  that  is  twice  it  has  struck  Four,'  and  she 
sat  down,  putting  her  feet  in  the  oven  of  the 
kitchen  stove,  moodily  wondering. 

** Hastily  we  both  sprang  to  our  feet;  the  smell 
of  burning  cloth  permeated  the  house.  Hastily 
I  rushed  to  the  dining-room  to  find  the  old  rag 
doll  in  flames.  I  took  the  tongs  and  placed  her 
on  the  burning  logs. 

**  *My  poor  dear  child,'  said  the  dear  soul,  tears 
in  her  eyes;  *How  you  will  miss  her  I' 


298  FACE    TO   FACE 

**I  looked  at  the  new  rag  doll  sitting  upon  the 
chair  in  all  her  splendor  and — may  God  forgive 
me — I  BLUSHED.  We  retired  to  our  room 
early.  We  had  long  ago  decided  we  could  not  be 
separated,  even  at  night,  so  both  occupied  the  big 
feathery  four-poster.  Sleep  soon  came — as  it 
always  does  to  contented  happy  minds.  Some- 
time towards  morning  I  was  aroused  by  a 
resounding  knock  on  the  inn  door.  The  clock 
chimed— ONE— Two—Three— Four. 

<<  *For  land's  sake,  what  ails  that  clock T  came 
from  beneath  a  deep  feather  bolster.  *I  will  go 
down  stairs  with  you,  dearie;  you  ought  not  go 
alone. ' 

^*But  I  assured  her  that  it  would  be  all  right, 
and  wended  my  way  down  the  stairs  with  *Wait 
a  moment,  stranger;  I  am  coming.'  The  door 
swung  back  to  admit  MY  STKANGER.  The 
snow  had  almost  covered  his  black  hair;  in  his 
arms  were  loads  of  bundles.  Without  question, 
he  imprinted  a  kiss  upon  my  forehead,  and  com- 
manded me  to  run  back  before  I  should  catch 
cold.  I  flew  up  the  stairs,  pulled  the  pillow 
from  the  dear  white  head,  and  told  her  ALL.  A 
little  chuckle  startled  me. 

**  *0h,  dearie,  I  hear  him  building  a  fire;  isn't 
that  just  REAL  NICE,  it  is  so  cold;  and, — 'em — 
I  smell  coffee.' 

**A  cheery  call  ascended  the  stairway — *Come, 
breakfast  is  on  the  table.' 

**We  went  down  together;  the  old  clock  struck 
One— Two— Three— Four.      The    little    withered 


NATURE   AND   THE   SOUL  299 

form  slipped  into  two  great  outstretched  arms: 
MOTHEE— SON! 

**  *How  dear  of  you,  mother,  to  treasure  my 
little  love.' 

^*  ^And  I — I  was  so  afraid  it  was  just  passing 
fancy.  Jack/ 

**  *And  I  was  afraid  you  would  not  stay  here, 
mother,  until  I  could  come/ 

**A  merry  trio  sat  down  to  breakfast  of  great 
doughnuts  and  coffee;  an  old  set  of  blue  china 
graced  the  table;  hot-house  plants  flourished 
amidst  branches  of  holly  and  mistletoe;  as  we 
three  planned  the  joys  for  the  day.  That  night 
came  all  too  soon,  while  we  danced  to  the  music 
of  an  old  Jew  's-harp ;  the  clock  chimed  One — Two 
—Three— Four.  ^The  HANDS  HAVE  CAUGHT.' 
*WHEN!'  cried  Jack,  as  he  put  his  two  arms 
around  me,  clasping  his  hands  behind  my  back. 

**  *In  four  weeks,'  I  cried,  and  looked  insinuat- 
ingly at  the  old  clock. 

*^  *My  dear  child,  THAT  was  YOUE  grand- 
father, the  best  man  that  ever  lived;  but  he 
would  KICK.' 

**I  had  found  my  answer  in  the  old  rag  doll  on 
the  hearth.  In  my  soul  it  had  awakened  an  old 
truth;  that  is,  the  love  that  always  bubbles  like 
a  well-spring  of  joy  in  the  WINTEE  TIME,  AT 
CHEISTMAS  TIME;  in  the  little  things,  humble 
things,  in  which  the  Christ  came  to  save  and 
ennoble  mankind.  The  hour  has  not  yet  come  to 
you  or  to  me;  when  it  does,  the  striking  of  the 
clock  will  sound  the  sweeter  for  the  GIFT  OF 


300  FACE   TO   FACE 

LITTLE  THINGS  IN  WHICH  GOD   WORK- 
ETH  THE  SALVATION  OF  THE  MANY/' 

It  is  a  wonderful  thing  to  know  that  mankind 
through  ignorance  and  sin  has  still  held,  through 
all,  the  PRINCIPLES  that  led  to  the  Manger  in 
which  truth  abideth.  In  it  was  born  the  Son  of 
God;  above  it  shone  the  Star  of  Hope;  over  all 
poured  the  SUN  of  HIS  countenance. 

In  the  simple  ways  of  old  folk  is  the  breath, 
spirit,  of  the  Christ  child;  in  the  way  of  youth 
is  the  expression  of  love,  found  through  ages  of 
ignorance  to  be  that  of  the  Christ  child. 

INGERSOLL:  *'I  lack  the  necessary  humility 
of  spirit  to  satisfactorily  harmonize  Moses  and 
Haeckel,  or  to  think  that  I  am  carried  away  by 
pride,  blinded  by  reason,  given  over  to  hardness 
of  heart,  that  I  might  be  damned;  but  I  can 
never  believe  that  the  earth  was  covered  with 
leaves  and  buds  and  flowers  and  fruits  before 
the  sun  with  its  glittering  sphere  dawned,  driv- 
ing backward  the  hosts  of  night/' 

LOTUS:  We  take  a  film  into  the  darkest  re- 
cesses obtainable  to  develop  the  picture;  we  then 
bring  it  forth  to  the  light  in  perfection.  Is  it 
strange  that  God  should  make  a  LIVING 
PICTURE  in  the  soft  lights  and  shadows?  The 
law  governing  His  work  was  the  natural  law  of 
FINAL  development.  Why  then  should  it  be 
strange  that  He  perfected  His  work  before  He 
brought  it  to  the  light  of  evolution!  Progres- 
sion found  birth  through  the  WORD  OF  GOD, 
developed  through  works  was  accepted,  by  the 
highest  in  man  as  kin  to  his  being,  is  perfected 


NATURE   AND   THE   SOUL  301 

from  generation  to  generation.  Development 
begins  in  the  soul  of  man ;  it  is  not  reflected  with- 
out until  it  is  perfected  within;  it  begins  in 
darkness,  it  ends  in  light. 

The  spiritual  man  keeps  open  house,  so  to 
speak;  his  guests  find  repose  of  soul;  the  unseen 
teaches  them  companionship  with  the  great.  When 
man  shuts  himself  IN,  away  from  the  THINGS 
of  the  world  and  the  TRUTH  IN  THEM,  he 
unconsciously  turns  from  him  the  GREAT 
UNITY  OF  GOD  WITH  THE  HUMAN  SOUL, 
in  which  is  imbedded  intellectual  action,  moral 
character  and  Divine  expression. 

Heaven  bless  the  man  that  KEEPS  HIS  OWN 
COUNSEL  and  woos  sleep  by  the  sweat  of  his 
brow.  A  quiet  intent  is  bound  to  bring  satisfy- 
ing results  when  undertaken  in  UNITY  with  God 
and  the  higher  forces,  in  assuredness  and  faith. 
When  man  is  about  to  work  out  some  ideal,  in- 
spiration, or  scientific  expression,  great  waves  of 
INDIVIDUALITY  and  the  agency  of  spirit 
dominate  his  being.  The  intellectual  INFLOW 
would  be  greatly  lessened — if  not  entirely  elim- 
inated— ^by  the  confusion  of  material  minds; 
hence  the  value  of  Unity  with  God  though  the 
PURPOSE  BE  for  man.  ^^Go  in  thy  closet  and 
pray.*' 

Trust  man  less,  my  friend,  and  GOD  MORE, 
and  thou  wilt  find  not  alone  repose  of  soul,  but 
wealth  of  soul.  To  trust  man  less  does  not  mean 
to  have  no  faith  in  fellow  man;  on  the  contrary, 
it  rather  proclaims  the  FAITH  IN  HIS  LIKE- 
NESS   AND    IMAGE.     We    thus    ILLUMINE 


302  FACE   TO   FACE 

THE  PRESENCE  of  the  Divine  within,  and 
unwittingly  call  forth  FAITH  IN  MAN,  until  a 
constant  inflow  of  trust — the  prevailing  influence 
of  truth,  the  I  AM — throbs  into  expressive  prin- 
ciples and  awakens  within  the  fact  that  he  has 
intelligence,  invisible,  incorporeal,  created  to 
MEET  the  Divine  in  all  things.  This  is  the 
TRUTH  made  manifest.  Spirit  is  much  as  the 
electric  light,  sending  forth  in  calm  and  penetrat- 
ing brightness  the  POWER  TO  OVERCOME 
DARKNESS. 

Man  refused  the  light  in  the  Garden  of  Eden, 
hence  the  necessity  of  schooling,  that  man  may 
again  find  and  behold  the  light;  all  he  needs  is 
acceptance.  Man  despaireth  in  his  ignorance  until 
he  awakens  to  the  truth  that  LIVES  and  lets 
live  in  the  fullest  sense  of  BEAUTY  and 
POWER,  here  and  hereafter,  accepting  NAT- 
URALLY, NOT  IN  PART.  We  must  create  a 
desire  to  make  living  a  SCIENCE  while  upon 
this  plane  that  we  may  meet  it  in  its  FULL 
EXPRESSION  OF  BEAUTY  in  the  Afterwhile; 
hence  it  is  necessary  to  learn  to  discriminate 
between  vibrations  that  are  DIVINE,  natural, 
and  those  of  chaotic  discord,  that  we  may  prop- 
erly adjust  ourselves  to  the  world  of  things  in 
which  we  live.  This  is  attunement  of  the  higher 
order,  of  things. 

The  so-called  crime  waves  that  come  over  the 
world  in  spasmodic  effect  at  times,  compel  won- 
derment in  the  minds  of  all  as  to  why  such  things 
exist,  coming  as  they  do  in  seemingly  convulsive 
and   transitory  periods.     To  me,   and  to   many 


NATURE   AND   THE    SOUL  303 

others,  it  is  not  at  all  strange,  but  the  natural 
result  of  CAUSE  and  EFFECT.  We  cannot 
send  into  the  ether  thoughts  of  a  derogatory 
character  and  not  EXPECT  results;  these  fer- 
ment, you  know.  There  is  upon  this  material 
plane  a  gentle  ebullition  we  will  term  sin.  It 
brews  and  brews  until  it  runs  over  the  brim  of 
conventionalities,  reason  and  common  sense.  A 
certain  UNITY  OF  SIN  FOECES  compel  a 
wave  of  crime  to  drift  over  the  world,  finding 
expression  in  whomsoever  it  CAN  demonstrate 
its  EVIL  POWER. 

A  little  child  went  one  day  to  call  upon  a 
friend,  taking  her  dolly's  wardrobe  for  repairs. 
The  day  was  one  of  exceptional  climatic  perfec- 
tion, so  they  picked  up  their  chairs  and  wended 
their  way  to  the  porch.  Cheerfully  they  com- 
pared the  neatness  of  their  stitches  with  the 
fineness  of  a  wonderful  cobweb,  when  the  child 
threw  up  her  hands  as  though  to  ward  otf  some 
frightful  object,  finally  falling  prostrate  and  un- 
conscious at  the  feet  of  the  friend.  Thinking  to 
assist  the  child,  the  friend  placed  her  arms  about 
her,  preparatory  to  lifting  her  upon  the  chair, 
when  she  suddenly  and  naturally  extricated  her- 
self from  the  embrace  and  slipped  back  into  the 
chair  unaided.  The  friend  wonderingly  asked 
what  she  had  seen  to  so  terrify  her.  In  answer 
the  child  shuddered  and  said :  '  *  I  did  not  see 
anything,  but  I  felt  something  so  awful ;  it  seemed 
to  be  in  the  air;  I  never  want  to  feel  it  again.'' 
Upon  questioning  the  parents  we  found  this  con- 
dition had  existed  for  eight  years  (the  child  was 


304  FACE   TO   FACE 

then  ten  years  of  age).  They  could  give  no 
cause  for  the  condition,  which  they  said  returned 
every  seven  days  as  regularly  as  clock-work,  in 
spite  of  the  fact  that  they  had  spent  almost  a 
fortune  on  eminent  physicians,  who  could  not  ex- 
plain. 

There  are  many  children  who  are  obsessed 
with  the  greatest  of  all  miseries — FEAR — until 
it  becomes  an  obsessing  force,  a  spasmodic 
terror.  **  There  must  be  some  cause  for  such  a 
condition  existing  in  the  child,"  says  the  world, 
and  then  go  about  their  duties  forgetting, 
blaming  the  parents,  when  in  nine  cases  out  of 
ten  the  parents  do  not  know  the  cause  of  such 
conditions  any  better  than  they  do ;  in  fact,  would 
give  all  they  possess  TO  KNOW.  It  is  an 
obsession  that  has  brought  about  a  physical 
weakness;  unable  to  throw  off  the  chaotic  effect, 
the  subject  becomes  a  harboring  negative  that 
FEELS  but  cannot  explain.  This  is  one  of  the 
times  that  the  invisible  forces  of  evil  obsess  and 
claim  the  intelligence  of  the  innocent,  until 
conscience  is  temporarily  lost.  In  many  cases  it 
is  but  a  periodical  mental  impotent  condition. 
Again,  our  asylums  are  filled  with  those  who 
never  have,  never  will  regain  their  reason;  nor 
will  this  condition  lessen  until  OBSESSION  is 
taken  into  greater  consideration,  its  cause  and 
its  effect,  and  the  antidote  perfected  and  added 
to  the  ethics  of  practitioners. 

NEVER  GIVE  UP.  There  is  always  a  way  to 
help  those  who  suffer  and  those  who  suffer  with 
them.     If   we    are    strong    enough    to    STAND 


NATURE   AND    THE   SOUL  305 

FAST,  we  cannot  fail  to  help  them.  When  we 
are  fitted  to  meet  them,  we  are  among  those 
who  live  in  pure  conscience,  those  who  are 
enabled  to  shed  the  spirit  of  truth,  like  the  sun- 
beams, through  the  darkened  recesses  of  soul 
contaminated  with  lust  and  fear,  until  the  pene- 
trating rays  fill  the  soul  with  light  and  they  are 
healed.  When  we  seem  weak  let  us  remember 
that  while  God  trieth  the  heart,  He  also  makes 
strong  those  who  TEUST  IN  HIM.  If  we  take 
God  into  our  plans,  we  will  not  be  made  weak  by 
the  inflow  of  chaotic  conditions;  we  will  not  be 
contaminated  in  bodv  or  soul;  but  we  will  EISE 
SUPREME  TO  MEET  SUPREME,  therein  are 
WE  made  WHOLE.  To  be  a  child  of  God  is  to 
mingle  with  the  children  of  God. 

**Your  first  duty  is  to  self,''  says  a  kind  friend. 
Yea,  verily  it  IS,  but  duty  is  a  MORAL  OBLIGA- 
TION. There  is  a  little  well-spring  in  the  human 
breast  that  will  bubble  up  every  now  and  then 
in  rebellion  towards  those  who  try  to  tell  us  our 
duty,  though  the  INTENT  be  EVER  SO  KIND- 
LY. ^^Duty  is  a  moral  obligation  in  DIRECT 
LINE  TO  TRUTH  and  righteousness.  RIGHT  is 
that  which  accords  with  the  MORAL  SYSTEM 
OF  THE  UNIVERSE.  Righteousness  is  incar- 
nated in  ACTION,''  thus  we  see  we  CANNOT  shut 
ourselves  in  away  from  people  and  things,  though 
our  first  duty  be  to  ourselves.  Our  FIRST  duty, 
however,  is  to  see  to  it  that  we  are  MORALLY 
fitted  to  assume  a  duty;  willing  to  be  instructed 
in  the  requirements  the  duty  or  duties  demand; 


306  PACE   TO   FACE 

co-operate  with  the  cause  sufficiently  to  bring 
about  intelligent  and  active  results. 

When  we  place  others  in  God's  hands  we  place 
ourselves  there  also,  and  our  faith.  When  we 
use  the  word  SELF,  we  must  take  into  consider- 
ation that  self  is  a  part  of  the  WHOLE;  body, 
soul  and  mind.  These  are  the  reflection  of  His 
Divine  will,  through  which  we  are  enabled  to 
EXPEESS  the  Divine  within.  Complete  self- 
abnegation  EXPRESSES  the  God  within;  it  is 
through  self-renunciation  that  we  are  taught  the 
greatest  lesson  by  Christ. 

When  we  waver  from  a  purpose,  we  have  not 
learned  to  SANCTIFY  THAT  PURPOSE;  when 
we  do,  the  truth  will  be  made  clear  to  us  with- 
out the  exact  operation  of  set  opinions.  We 
ALWAYS  receive  more  than  we  EVER  give 
from  the  hand  that  feeds  the  sparrows;  that  is 
the  law  of  heaven's  righteousness,  the  Divine 
law  working  through  cause  and  effect.  In  express- 
ing the  I  AM  is  joy  untold,  not  weakness,  but 
righteousness  in  which  is  strength,  power  and 
EXALTED  FAITH.  It  is  one  of  the  least  of 
these  to  hand  the  perishing  a  cup  of  water.  Are 
we  not  fully  repaid  by  the  love  light  in  the  eye  of 
one  who  has  suffered?  We  may  carry  the  cup 
e'en  unto  the  cross,  but  are  we  not  refreshed  by 
the  spirit  of  truth  that  dwelleth  therein? 

I  cannot  falter  by  the  wayside  though  my 
strength  be  small.  I  cannot  harbor  thoughts  that 
would  retard  my  growth;  no,  not  at  all.  Though 
I  love  you,  love  you,  LOVE  YOU,  yet  I  cannot  be 
less  strons:.    You  would  love  me  less  were  I  not 


NATURE   AND   THE   SOUL  307 

to  illustrate  my  little  song.  It  is  the  TILLING 
and  the  COUNTING  that  gathers  in  the  grain. 

The  pure  ether  around  our  afllicted  ones  has 
been  contaminated  with  the  fermenting  qualities 
that  grow  into  THINGS  THAT  TEERORIZE. 
When  we  fear  we  usually  commit  some  deed  that 
will  sear  the  purest  motives.  When  we  shirk  a 
duty,  we  weaken  our  ability  to  rise  supreme  to 
meet  supreme,  and  the  following  duty  is  still 
harder  to  perform.  In  performance  of  duty 
we  learn  to  accept  it  NATURALLY.  What 
would  seem  to  some  a  great  burden,  to  us  is 
but  the  following  in  His  footsteps.  It  is  recog- 
nition of  that  at-one-ness,  and  pure  joy  commin- 
gling with  the  fruits  of  honest  purpose.  A  Duty 
performed  is  the  harvesting  of  soul  power  in 
which  the  natural  flow  of  the  Divine  finds  ex- 
pression, not  to  weary,  but  bless;  where  nature 
and  soul  play  the  sweet  relays  of  attunement. 

It  is  not  enough  that  we  teach  children  the 
rudimentary  principles  of  arithmetic,  grammar, 
etc.  We  must  live  with  children  in  the  great 
open,  where  the  beauties  of  nature  are,  in  which 
the  little  soul  may  wander  until  some  inspiration 
is  brought  to  bear  in  which  character  is  built,  and 
talents  quickened  into  active  principles.  Ferns 
will  not  grow  in  the  highlands  nor  cactus  in  the 
vales;  the  child  likewise  must  be  placed  and 
taught  according  to  its  needs,  if  the  best  results 
are  expected  or  desired. 

** SAFETY  FIRST''  should  resound  in  the 
minds  of  those  handing  a  book  to  a  child ;  for  in 


308  FACE   TO   FACE 

it  is  danger  or  knowledge  that  will  TELL  in  the 
life  of  the  child  some  wav,  some  da  v. 

** SUFFER  LITTLE  CHILDREN  TO  COME 
UNTO  ME,  FOR  OF  SUCH  IS  THE  KINGDOM 
OF  HEAVEN." 

Where  the  kingdom  reigneth  THERE  is  pure 
conscience,  and  it  must  find  a  HOME  in  the 
mother;  then  will  it  take  root  and  blossom  forth 
in  the  coming  generation.  Had  I  not  been  taught 
by  my  mother,  in  the  experiences  of  everyday 
life,  the  beauties  and  wisdom  in  life,  I  would  not 
have  found  the  richness  of  just  living.  Some- 
times I  think  I  had  the  best  mother  that  ever 
lived — Foster  Mother  though  she  be — so  sweet, 
so  gentle,  so  loving  and  thoughtful  was  she.  Not 
once  have  I  ever  heard  an  angry  word  pass  from 
those  dear  lips.  Not  once  did  her  hand  ever 
raise  to  strike,  no,  not  once,  in  all  her  life.  This 
quiet  refined  soul  met  nature  in  the  harmony  of 
attuned  purpose,  and  though  suffering  and  trials 
came,  there  was  Nature  and  the  Soul,  of  which  I 
was  a  great  partaker  through  her  tireless  efforts, 
her  first  and  last  thought. 

Angels  stand  at  the  open  door  waiting  to  hear 
of  thee  and  more;  what  thee  wants,  and  what 
thee  needs,  asking  not  thy  life  or  creed;  ever 
willing  to  stoop  and  bless;  ever  ready  to  pray, 
caress,  the  troubled  brow  of  then  and  now. 

When  I  was  a  little  tot,  I  was  digging  most 
earnestly  in  the  earth  with  my  little  spoon, 
when  mother  asked  me  what  I  thought  I  was 
doing.  I  said  I  was  digging  down  to  China; 
think  I'll  get  there  pretty  soon!     In  my  mind 


NATURE   AND    THE    SOUL  309 

was  a  beautiful  picture  of  China.  Mother  had 
been  teaching  me  of  China  and  the  ways  of 
China,  showing  me  many  beautiful  pictures  the 
meanwhile.  After  I  grew  tired  of  digging  and 
no  China  appeared,  I  went  into  the  house  and 
laid  my  head  on  mother's  shoulder  saying:  ^*But 
it  is  such  hard  work  to  get  to  China. ' '  Tenderly 
she  took  me  upon  her  lap  and  said:  **I  know, 
dear;  but  then,  did  you  not  try  too  hardf  I  said 
I  guessed  I  had  tried  pretty  hard,  but  how  was  I 
to  get  to  China  if  I  did  not  work  hard?  The 
answer  was  one  never  to  be  forgotten  by  me: 

^^Dear,  we  should  do  OUR  HONEST  BEST 
IN  ALL  THINGS  worth  while,  but  there  are 
some  things  not  worth  while— and  it  would  not 
have  been  worth  while  to  strive  so  hard  to  see 
China.  I  have  taught  you,  dear,  the  beauties  of 
China,  but  I  have  kept  from  you  the  things  that 
were  NOT  beautiful.  Had  you  dug  down  to 
China  with  your  little  spoon,  you  would  have  seen 
the  ugly  side  of  China,  and  that  might  have  made 
you  very  unhappy.  When  we  strive  TOO  hard 
for  things,  it  is  pretty  certain  that  something  is 
going  to  give  way,  some  hope,  some  ambition, 
something  we  have  not  counted  on  in  the  reckon- 
ing. It  is  better,  my  dear,  to  let  things  come  to 
us  naturally.  When  little  girls — and  big  ones  too 
— take  a  bigger  piece  of  cake  than  is  good 
for  them,  they  are  bound  to  suffer;  but  if  they 
are  satisfied  with  less,  then  the  rest  would  come 
NATURALLY,  as  all  things  do  when  we  are 
willing  to  WORK  UP  TO  THEM. 


310  FACE    TO   FACE 

**  Remember  this,  little  girl,  that  though  our 
greatest  desires  are  sometimes  lost  in  the  busy 
routine  of  life,  there  is  always  a  little  bird  sing- 
ing somewhere  in  the  quietude  of  conscience  that 
will  make  the  way  easy  to  forget  things  we  cannot 
possess.  By  and  by  we  grow  to  not  wanting 
them;  and  that  is  the  PEACE  that  comes  of  a 
meek  and  quiet  spirit. ' ' 

My  little  soul  was  appeased;  I  had  no  longer 
any  desire  to  upheave  China  with  my  little 
spoon.  A  little  inspiration  was  born  that  has 
carried  me  through  the  years,  over  rocks  and 
rills,  to  the  quiet  calm  born  of  Spirit. 

When  we  look  through  the  veil  of  little  things 
and  penetrate  their  existence  from  days  of  yore 
up  to  the  present  time — such  as  matches,  needles, 
pins  and  paper — and  note  how  long  they  have 
been  in  coming  to  present  perfection,  and  study 
the  steady  climb  of  things  worked  through 
nature  and  the  soul,  we  can  hardly  marvel  at  the 
building  of  temples,  the  giving  of  patterns,  of  the 
miter,  and  the  engraving  ^^  HOLINESS  TO  THE 
LORD."  All  these  little  things  began  in 
primeval  days;  the  inspiration  came  through 
nature's  gifts  to  the  people  who  first  found  their 
need.  Like  the  little  Mexican  lady  who  first 
found  that  the  Spanish  saber  plant  made  good 
pins,  so  was  papyrus  first  inspired;  and  on  and 
on,  until  time  and  custom,  man's  intelligence,  and 
the  power  of  spirit  brought  us  paper,  pins,  needles 
and  matches. 

Man  has  ever  sought  nature  as  the  FULL- 
NESS OF  ALL.    When  all  others  failed  him  he 


NATURE   AND   THE    SOUL  311 

turned  to  nature  for  his  answer.  It  raises  us  to 
heights  untold  when  we  stop  to  consider  these 
things  and  set  about  investigating  the  working 
power  of  spirit  through  them.  **WILL  WON- 
DEES  NEVER  CEASE?"  springs  to  our  lips; 
we  fall  upon  our  knees  in  thanksgiving ;  the  supply- 
has  been  perfect,  nothing  wanting.  And  yet  the 
infidel  cries,  **Does  anyone  know  there  is  a  GodT' 
Oh,  man  of  sorrows,  hast  thou  not  felt  the  work- 
ing power  of  something  beyond  nature  that 
surges  in  thy  being?  Hast  thou  not  seen  with 
thine  own  eyes  works  not  made  with  man's 
hands  ?  Hast  thine  own  soul  not  cried  out  in  an- 
guish to  the  GOD  OF  LIGHT,  LOVE  AND 
TRUTH  ?  And  thou  hast  looked  about  and  behold 
these  were  THERE,  expressing  before  thee, 
around  thee,  about  thee!  And  thou  callest  unto 
them  and  they  HEARD  and  answered  within 
thine  own  soul.  And  thou  hast  cried  out  in  the 
night  of  ignorance  and  light  broke,  and  it  was 
day,  and  LIFE  in  all  its  perfect  way  was  express- 
ing, and  didst  thou  say  it  was  nature  ?  Then  thou 
didst  proclaim  thy  God,  for  it  was  nature  and 
the  soul  that  answered  thee. 

I  want  to  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that 
every  miracle  God  worked  He  was  over  or  near 
water  at  the  time. 

Every  one  knows  what  a  bolt  can  be  shot  into 
substance  by  the  commingling  of  water  and 
electricity. 

If  such  a  bolt  were  to  be  shot  into  the  ether, 
what  effect  would  it  have,  chemical  development 
or  PHYSICAL  PHENOMENA! 


812  FACE   TO   FACE 

Every  one  has  a  THOUGHT  atmosphere ;  what 
effect  has  electricity  upon  thought  atmosphere? 

What  is  thought  atmosphere? 

Atoms,  substance,  peace,  poise  or  power. 

Then  electricity  WOULD  cause  a  shock  of 
greater  or  lesser  character  in  the  midst  of  these. 

What  effect  has  shock  on  substance? 

It  quickens  or  kills,  according  to  the  nature  of 
the  shock  or  the  nature  of  the  substance. 

Supposing  it  were  to  QUICKEN  substance, 
what  would  be  the  result? 

LIFE! 

Every  man  has  a  thought  atmosphere  that  has 
a  definiite  character  to  formulate  matter,  sub- 
stance according  to  the  ABILITY  of  the  one  who 
thinks.  Thought  atmosphere  is  SUBSTANTIAL 
— is  felt  keenly  by  man,  interpreted  by  spirit.  The 
power  of  spirit  over  matter  is  limitless ;  it  abounds 
in  the  GLOEY  OF  THE  REAL.  Hence  we  see 
that  electricity  IS  directly  connected  with  Divinity. 

Is  it  hard  then  to  Understand  the  Immaculate 
Conception;  the  creation  of  man;  the  creation  of 
life,  when  vibrations  coming  from  the  fountain 
head  the  ALL  MIGHTY  SPIRIT  THAT  MOVED 
UPON  THE  FACE  OF  THE  WATER,  IS  SO 
FAR  REACHING  in  chemical,  electrical,  mag- 
netic, effect? 

Is  it  hard  to  understand  the  POWER  of  the 
spoken  word,  to  CREATE  substance,  worlds  ? 

Is  it  hard  to  have  faith  in  the  vibrating  working 
power  of  SPIRIT  when  we  KNOW  how  Spirit 
REACHES  MANKIND  and  quickens  within- 
life? 


NATURE   AND    THE    SOUL  313 

No,  my  friend,  it  is  simply  NATURE  AND 
THE  SOUL,  Face  to  Face  with  their  Creator. 

The  beauty  of  life  in  life  is  manifold  when  we 
learn  to  MEET  IT  IN  TRUTH;  wavering  not; 
seeking  the  Kingdom  FIRST;  keeping  sweet  in 
the  harmony  that  purifies,  brings  perfect  under- 
standing in  ALL  THINGS.  Keep  sweet,  my 
friend,  for  **God  is  in  it.'' 

Keep  sweet;  for  it  is  the  SOUL  OF  HAR- 
MONY in  which  the  LITTLE  PEASANT  GIRL 
conceived  the  GREAT,  the  PURE,  the  HOLY. 

Keep  sweet;  it  is  SPIRITUAL  TRIUMPH! 

The  concord  of  NATURE  and  the  SOUL,  Face 
to  Face  with  the  INTELLIGENCE  OF  MAN. 

What  is  intelligence  but  GOD?  The  Divine 
working  in  and  through  all  things;  the  FORCE 
that  governs  the  universe  and  all  therein. 


THE  END. 


831905 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CAUFORNIA  LIBRARY 


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